Power cuts to get longer in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar, January 19

Due to an extended dry season and water scarcity, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced a “temporary increase” in power curtailment by 2 to 2.5 hours. This decision is a result of a significant reduction in power generation, a consequence of the prolonged dry spell affecting the Valley.

Electricity woes

• Kashmir discom has announced ‘temporary increase’ in power curtailment by 2.5 hrs
• Significant reduction in power generation after prolonged dry spell
• Electricity production has reached a record low of 50-100 MW against the demand of 1800 MW in Valley

“This is for the information of the general public that due to a drastic reduction in power generation resulting in reduced availability of power, KPDCL shall be forced to temporarily increase the curtailment by 2 to 2.5 hours across Kashmir Valley during peak hours,” the KPDCL said on Friday.

“The temporary increase shall be reversed as soon as sufficient power is available,” the KPDCL statement said.

With the onset of the winter in October last year, the power department had specified a daily 4.5-hour power curtailment for metered areas, while non-metered areas experienced an 8-hour curtailment regularly.

To maintain electricity supply for 16 hours a day, Kashmir requires 1800 MW of power. For round-the-clock supply, 2200 to 2300 MWs are necessary. However, the government says there is a huge shortfall in power generation from the Jammu and Kashmir sector. Electricity production in Kashmir has reached a record low of 50-100 MWs against the demand of 1800 MWs. Thus, the Valley, home to over 70 lakh people, experienced the longest power cuts in the last two decades—lasting 12-16 hours—in December. These prolonged cuts coincide with temperatures dropping below 0°C in the Valley.