JKPDD Declares Suspension of Power Outages in Designated Areas Starting Today
J&k.
June 20: In response to the prevailing heat wave in the Jammu region, the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD) has announced a relief measure for consumers. Starting from June 20th, there will be no power curtailment in Jammu City.
For rural and unmetered areas, power cuts will be limited to less than 6 hours. The improved power supply situation can be attributed to the following developments:
1. The J&K's own generating plant, the 900 MW Baghliar HEP, was previously operating at reduced capacity due to low water discharge in the Chenab River. However, it has now resumed generating power at its full rated capacity.
2. The power allocation from the Government of India has increased by 200 MW.
J&K imports power from hydro generating stations located outside the state. The improved generation from central sector hydro generators, such as Naptha Jhakri, Koldam, and Tehri, has contributed to this increase.
3. Thermal generation has also improved by approximately 60 MW, resulting in higher power allocation to J&K.
Furthermore, in the current era of digitalization, stringent payment security mechanisms have been implemented by power generating companies (gencos).
As a result, JKPDD is required to make advance payments to gencos for procuring power.
It is important to note that the procurement price of power from the market has risen significantly, with an average per unit price ranging from Rs. 5 to Rs. 7. In contrast, J&K charges a heavily subsidized average tariff of only Rs. 3 per unit for residential consumers.
Given these circumstances, the JKPDD spokesperson urges the general public to use power responsibly and ensure timely payment of their electricity bills.
This will enable JKPDD to make prompt payments to gencos and ensure uninterrupted power supply to consumers.
