In the past few years, Jammu and Kashmir have been facing considerable challenges satisfying its electricity load, especially during lean seasons as a result of water flow in the rivers and other constraints, the region can have limited power generation.
Nevertheless, the timely and positive decision to procure 40-50 percent of electricity from imported power markets, is a very positive and strategic decision that provides the benefit of an unbroken power supply for residents, sectors and industries.
This decision is clearly a statement by the administration that it is ready to make decisions that ensure a clear break between the gap of demand and supply so that residents do not experience long outages due to unreliable power supply spectrum that interrupt their activities.
Moreover, Jammu and Kashmir are thinking ahead and is making decisions, with the cooperation of other provinces and territories, to engage local power companies to utilize power from external resources to cover the shortfall in the long acceptable power supply from local resources.
Importantly, this decision demonstrates the willingness of the government to take steps towards energy management and securing energy resources signalling a good example of continuously taking pragmatic steps towards energy security.
These measures also contribute to the national project of delivering sustainable and reliable electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week which is essential for development and improving quality of life.
Ultimately, this measure is helping frame the overall procurement of energy towards diversification.
As they continue to invest in steady state hydropower projects, and renewable energy projects, the reality is that all lower than sustainable supplied sectors are ringing through external power markets during lean seasons.
It is enabling stability but also providing time for upgrading and expanding local infrastructure.
While critics may call for a complete level of self-sufficiency, in this case, importing power is a legitimate and a financially straightforward option.
It saves money by eliminating losses from unscheduled outages, while maintaining industrial expansion, which is essential to providing jobs and revenue.
The Government’s ability to source power from external power grids also symbolises the improved coordination and integration between states, and the sustainability of an inter-state power market.
Looking ahead, the focus must be on ramping up investments in domestic sites of generation including solar and wind projects to reduce reliance on external power supply sources.
Until then, smart purchasing of electricity off external markets feels smart and responsible.
The Government’s ability to strike a balance between short-term need and long-term sustainability, is worthy of recognition in the public domain.
The proactive energy policy within Jammu and Kashmir is an example of what proactive policy looks like in other jurisdictions facing similar challenges.
You set a great example and you are illuminating our path towards a more obedient and empowered future with not an economy in tatters due to power.
