BuzzBytes Jammu 01 December:
In a bid to address the persistent power crisis in the Kashmir Valley, the Power Development Department unveils a comprehensive plan to combat challenges, with a focus on reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses.
Principal Secretary, H Rajesh Prasad, emphasizes the urgent need for increased investment in the Power Development Sector. He cites outdated cables, poles, and transformers as significant contributors to the crisis, revealing an investment of over Rs 5,000 Crores already made to overcome losses.
Prasad highlights the main culprit behind AT&C losses – non-metered consumers. Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the department aims to focus on consumer smart metering. Shockingly, 50% of consumers in the valley currently lack meters, contributing to the losses.
While acknowledging pending electricity bills in the hundreds of Crores, Prasad assures that the government has almost cleared all pending dues. The Principal Secretary addresses the lack of skilled manpower, stating that technical staff recruitment is underway to reduce dependency on non-technical personnel.
A major hindrance in providing uninterrupted power supply is the continuation of old and obsolete infrastructure. The official documents reveal that elements of the distribution network, some existing for over 40 years, are causing frequent disruptions. The power demand, primarily met through hydel power, faces challenges during peak winter demand.
J&K Power Development Department’s AT&C losses stand at a staggering 50%, significantly higher than the national average of 19.73%. The gap between power purchase cost and revenue realization remains substantial due to these losses, necessitating urgent reforms and investment.
This comprehensive plan aims to reshape the power landscape in Kashmir, ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply for the region.
