Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar, Dec 18 : Amidst growing demand for power, the electricity consumption in Jammu and Kashmir has increased by more than thirteen percent in the past four years.
The official documents accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) states, “Over the span from 2020-21 to 2023-24, Jammu and Kashmir saw a steady increase in electricity consumption per capita, rising from 1,322 Kilowatt-Hour (KWHr) to 1,507KWHr.”
“This trend reflects a growing demand for power amidst a population increase from 13.41 million to 13.70 million, with units purchased and consumed escalating from 17,721.76 million to 20,644.47 million units over the period,” it reads.
Currently, there are 23.45 lakh electric connections and consumers of different categories in JK who are being catered electric power supply.
“At least 14 lakh smart meters are targeted to be installed, 7.27 lakh smart meters are targeted to be installed by March 2025 out of which 5.78 Lakhs stand installed,” reads the document.
It also said that the government will complete the loss reduction infrastructure projects by March 2025.
About the renewable energy sector in Jammu and Kashmir, the document states that it is advancing significantly with a focus on solar and small hydro power projects.
“Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) has allocated 35 Mini Hydel Projects (MHPs) with a capacity of 103.05 MW under Independent Power Producer (IPP) mode, already commissioning projects like 5 MW SHP Bultikulan and 3.75 MW SHP Khari,” it reads.
The documents further reveal that an additional 37 small hydro projects totaling 107 MW are planned under IPP mode and 13 projects with 112.50 MW capacity are earmarked under EPC mode pending funds release.
“Solar energy initiatives have seen the development of 27.85 MW capacity, including projects under schemes like Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Power Plant and PM-KUSUM. Future plans include achieving 500 MW of grid-connected solar power and installing 15,000 solar pumps by 2026,” it reads—(KNO)
