Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Several areas of south Kashmir have been facing disruptions in electricity supply amid scheduled power shutdowns and complaints of unscheduled curtailment, raising concerns among consumers over the functioning of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).
According to a shutdown schedule issued by the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, power supply to several areas has been affected on different dates in November to facilitate maintenance of transmission lines and grid infrastructure.
The affected areas in south Kashmir include Mirbazar, Vessu, Nipora, Qazigund town and the railway station area, where the 33 kV Wanpoh-Qazigund line was scheduled to remain shut from 10 am to 3 pm on November 9. Other areas, including Yaripora, Behibagh, Tarigam, Sampora, DH Pora, Nillow and Devsar, are also covered under separate scheduled shutdowns during the month.
However, complaints of prolonged and unscheduled power cuts have added to consumers’ concerns, with residents questioning whether the announced curtailment schedule is being properly implemented.
A report published by a local newpaper on November 5, quoting a senior KPDCL official, said Kashmir’s peak electricity demand was around 1,500 megawatts (MW), while declining hydropower generation during the winter season was putting additional pressure on the power supply system.
Official power-sector data cited in the report showed that Jammu and Kashmir’s total electricity load stood at 2,318 MW on November 3, with Kashmir accounting for 1,426 MW and Jammu 893 MW. Power imports were recorded at approximately 1,950 MW.
The report also highlighted complaints from consumers across the Valley about prolonged outages beyond the officially announced schedule, with KPDCL officials attributing load-shedding and grid curtailments to the gap between electricity demand and available supply, along with the need to prevent overloading of receiving stations.
The recurring disruptions have raised questions about the reliability of electricity supply as winter approaches, particularly in rural and far-flung areas where households, students and businesses depend on uninterrupted power.
Consumers are seeking better adherence to the announced schedule, timely information about shutdowns and an effective response from the power distribution authorities.
