During the current holy month of Ramzan, the power demand in the Kashmir Valley has risen by almost 80 Megawatts (MW) during peak hours.
A senior official from the Power Development Department (PDD) stated that power demand has increased by around 80 MW in the past four days, compared to the previous month.
“As of now, during Ramzan, power supply and demand have reached at least 1,900 MW. Yesterday, we delivered over 1,900 MW of power,” the official said.
“On average, the peak power demand was 1,800 MW in the previous month, but during Ramzan, the demand has significantly increased,” he added.
The official further stated, “Currently, the power demand in the Kashmir Valley has risen by nearly 80 MW. However, the demand fluctuates and does not fall below 1,900 MW.”
When asked about power generation, the official said, “Power generation has slightly increased due to the recent rainfall.” “As of now, the Lower Jhelum power plant in the Kashmir region is producing an average of 90 MW,” he added.
Jammu and Kashmir currently relies on more than 85 per cent coal and solar power amid an acute hydroelectric power deficit. Officials from the PDD had claimed that local hydroelectric power generation from the region’s power plants had reduced by nearly 90 per cent.
An official had stated, “At present, Jammu and Kashmir is 85–90 percent dependent on coal and solar energy procured from other states, as we currently lack sufficient local power generation.”
“In winter, hydroelectric power generation in Jammu and Kashmir has dropped by almost 90 percent. To meet the required demand, we rely on a base power supply procured from other states, primarily coal-based energy,” the official had said. (KNO)
