The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Nov 19: In a disconcerting development, the specter of prolonged power cuts looms over Kashmir as the government contemplates extending curtailment hours. The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) faces a daunting challenge, with the current power allocation of 1300 MW marking a significant decrease from the 1700 MW received in the same period last year.
The region is on the brink of a severe power crisis, prompting the government to consider extending curtailment hours to manage the persistently inadequate power allocation. The situation, exacerbated by reduced power purchases since summer and insufficient local power generation, has led to overloaded grids and widespread power curtailments across Kashmir.
A senior official from KPDCL expressed concern over the declining power allocation, stating, “Power cuts are so severe that monthly power consumption in Kashmir is down by 30 to 40 million units compared to last year. This tells you about the severity. The government must increase power purchases; doing only lip service won’t improve the ground situation.”
The administration’s decision to scale back power purchases, citing financial constraints, has led to a deviation from the curtailment schedule devised by KPDCL. In urban areas, metered locations were initially scheduled for 4.5 hours of load shedding, while non-metered areas faced 8 hours. In rural areas, metered locations were slated for a maximum of 6 hours of power cuts, and non-metered areas were to endure 8 hours. However, the reduced power allocation has resulted in power cuts extending to 4 to 5 hours at a stretch.
As the power crisis deepens, residents are left grappling with the consequences. The potential extension of curtailment hours adds to the woes of the people, raising concerns about the immediate need for effective measures to bridge the widening gap between power demand and supply in Kashmir.
The government’s move to consider extended curtailment hours comes at a time when the region is already facing challenges in meeting the energy needs of its residents. The severity of the situation underscores the urgency for proactive steps to address the power crisis and ensure a stable and reliable power supply for the people of Kashmir.
In the face of this power peril, stakeholders are closely watching the developments, hopeful that the government will take decisive actions to alleviate the crisis and prevent prolonged hardships for the residents of Kashmir.
Keywords: Kashmir power crisis, government, curtailment hours, KPDCL, power allocation, load shedding, energy needs, electricity woes.
