J&k Secures 400 MW Electricity to Tackle Power Crisis, Anticipates 150 MW Boost

J&k Secures 400 MW Electricity to Tackle Power Crisis, Anticipates 150 MW Boost

Asif Iqbal | October 6, 2023 | 10:47 AM IST | Breaking News, Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

J&k Secures 400 MW Electricity to Tackle Power Crisis, Anticipates 150 MW Boost. Pic/Kashmir life

In a significant development addressing the recent power crisis in Jammu and Kashmir (JK), the Union Territory (UT) administration has successfully secured 400 MW of electricity from both the Uttar Pradesh government and the Central government. Furthermore, an additional 150 MW is expected to be procured by October 9th, promising substantial relief to the region’s ongoing energy shortage.

Government’s Intervention

Quoting H Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary to the Government, Power Development Department (PDD), the department has made remarkable progress in resolving the power crisis, with a 90% improvement already achieved. According to Prasad, they have acquired 150 MW from the UP government and an additional 250 MW from the Central government, culminating in an extra 400 MW of power. Moreover, he anticipates securing an extra 150 MW from October 9th, which would bring the total additional electricity capacity to 550 MW.

Mutual Cooperation with Uttar Pradesh

The UT administration has collaboratively worked with the Uttar Pradesh government to acquire this supplementary electricity. An intriguing aspect of this cooperation is the promise to return the excess electricity during the summer months when Kashmir experiences higher power generation. This joint effort exemplifies a strategic solution to regional energy challenges.

Addressing Immediate Needs and Future Preparedness

In the wake of this energy acquisition, Prasad highlighted that the present electricity demand in Kashmir stands at 1050 MW, while in Jammu, it is 1000 MW. With a current shortage of 150 MW, they aim to bridge this gap by or before October 6th. Prasad also assured that once the additional electricity is secured, consumers will enjoy consistent power supply. The recent power cuts were primarily a result of low power generation due to an extended dry spell, leading to reduced water discharge in major water bodies.

Looking Ahead to Winter

Regarding the upcoming winter season, Prasad assured residents that they will experience adequate electricity supply, similar to the previous year. Despite the cost of electricity during peak hours being Rs 12 per unit from power exchanges, the department is committed to managing and ensuring sufficient electricity for all, maintaining the quality of service.

The recent power crisis in J&K, marked by frequent two-and-a-half-hour power cuts, had left consumers discontented and raised questions about the effectiveness of smart meters, which were installed in various parts of the Valley, particularly in the summer capital, Srinagar. These smart meters were introduced with the promise of delivering uninterrupted 24×7 power supply.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.