By: Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar: With the onset of winters, the local hydro power generation has taken a dip by nearly 45 percent.
Top officials said that the hydel power generation from the local plants has reduced by nearly 500 Megawatts (MWs).
The official said, “As of now, on an average, we are generating nearly 500-600 MW of power. From the Baglihar power project, we are on an average generating nearly 300 MWs. This too depends on the functioning of machines.”
“During the peak season, we were generating over 1100 MWs of power from the total generation capacity of 1197.4 MW of Jammu and Kashmir power plants,” the official said.
It also said, “Due to the reduced water levels some of the small power projects in Kashmir were usually not generating any power in the month of October but this year due to the late monsoon in Jammu and Kashmir, they are doing very well in comparison to the previous years.”
The official further informed that there were additional 800 MWs allocated from the centre. “From this year, we have 1300 MW from the central pool. We have started banking with other states.”
Pertinently, till the third week of February, an official had said that Jammu and Kashmir was relying on more than 85 percent of coal and solar power amid acute deficit of hydro power generation.
Officials of PDD department had claimed that local hydro power generation from the local power plants have reduced by nearly 90 percent.
An official had informed that “At present Jammu and Kashmir is 85-90 percent dependent on coal and solar energy that is being procured from the other states because as of now we don’t have a local power generation.”
“In winters the local hydro power generation of Jammu and Kashmir power plants has reduced by almost 90 percent and in order to cater the requisite power demand, we need to have a base power availability that we procure from outside states. The energy is coal based energy,” the official had said. (KNO)
No change in power schedule: KPDCL
Managing Director of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), on Tuesday said that there are currently no plans to change the existing power schedule in the Valley, adding that the situation will be reviewed after November 15.
Responding to queries about the winter power schedule, MD, Mehmood Ahmad Shah said “As of now, we have not decided anything regarding a change in the power schedule. We will review the situation after November 15 and decide accordingly.”
When asked whether the power supply will improve this winter, Shah expressed optimism, saying, “Yes, the power supply will be better this winter”.
The MD said that smart metering allows consumers to have better control over their electricity usage. “With smart meters, it is the consumer’s choice how to use electricity and manage their gadgets,” he explained.
However, Shah also urged people to use electricity judiciously. “We should all be very careful about how we use electricity, especially during the winter months when demand is at its peak,” he said.
Earlier this month, the KPDCL chief had said that the Kashmir Valley is expected to witness a more reliable power supply this winter compared to the previous year, citing significant infrastructure improvements and enhanced preparedness.
“We will ensure better power supply this winter compared to the previous one. A lot of work has been done to strengthen the network, both in towns and cities. This includes upgradation of cabling systems and installation of smart meters,” Shah had said, adding that the department is “in a much better position this year to meet the rising winter demand.”
The MD had reiterated that efforts are underway to minimize power curtailments and improve distribution efficiency across the Valley. “We are working tirelessly to provide quality and reliable electricity to our consumers,”
As the temperatures begin to drop across Kashmir, power supply remains one of the most discussed public concerns. The demand and supply situation is expected to determine whether the existing schedule will continue or be modified. (KINS)
