Strict Compliance

The severe cold wave in Kashmir has created immense hardships for residents, particularly due to disruptions in power supply. In response, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for strict compliance with the power curtailment schedule in a meeting held on Monday. His directives to the Power Development Department (PDD) to strictly follow the scheduled curtailment programme comes in the wake of complaints from residents that they were facing additional cuts. It was highlighted that despite a 7-8% increase in electricity supply compared to the previous year, the extreme cold has caused a significant rise in the load profile, exceeding available resources. This situation is further aggravated by record-low power generation due to minimal water discharge in hydroelectric power plants, the meeting was informed. Kashmir’s reliance on hydroelectric power has always been a challenge in the winter months. Despite an increase in electricity supply compared to the previous year, the extreme cold has caused a surge in demand, far exceeding the available resources. This situation has been further complicated by inefficiencies in distribution and transmission. The Chief Minister’s focus on rationalizing power distribution, based on the loss profile of feeders, is an attempt to ensure a fair allocation of electricity. Such measures are essential to balance the needs of the population while managing limited resources effectively. The Chief Minister’s emphasis on informing the public about scheduled outages is a thoughtful approach to minimizing inconvenience. When residents are aware of power cuts in advance, they can adjust their daily routines accordingly. This transparency is especially important during harsh winters when the demand for electricity peaks. However, it is imperative that the schedule is followed strictly by the PDD in letter and spirit. Additionally, the focus on prioritizing essential services ensures that critical sectors like healthcare and water supply remain functional, reducing the overall impact of the crisis. Modernizing the valley’s power infrastructure has also been identified as a key step in addressing recurring issues. The introduction of smart metering for Distribution Transformers and feeders is expected to improve monitoring and efficiency. These measures can help reduce wastage and ensure a more reliable supply. The severe winter has also highlighted the vulnerabilities of the power supply system in Kashmir. The measures outlined during the review meeting aim to provide immediate relief to residents while laying the groundwork for long-term improvements. Also, the issue of unmetered areas in Kashmir has long been a challenge for the equitable distribution of electricity. These areas, lacking proper metering infrastructure, often consume power indiscriminately, further straining the already limited supply. Expediting the installation of smart meters across all areas is a necessary step in addressing this problem. Metering not only ensures accountability among consumers but also promotes judicious use of electricity. By monitoring consumption patterns and discouraging wastage, metering can help reduce the demand-supply gap. The prioritization of this initiative is essential for improving efficiency and ensuring that electricity is distributed fairly, especially during times of heightened demand such as the severe cold wave in ongoing Chillai Kalan.