Srinagar: Amid manifold increase in electricity demand, the Power department in Kashmir division has increased its transmission capacity with a result for the first time peak load of 1750 megawatt was supplied by the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).
Though the unrestricted demand in Kashmir has reached over 2800 MW, the increase in transmission capacity will play a role in minimising load shedding.
Chief Engineer, Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation Limited, Hashmat Qazi said “For the first time, we are able to supply 1750 MW electricity which is around 320 MW higher than last year. Furthermore, it is good that in the coming days we are commissioning one
more 160 MVA facility at Anantnag by virtue of which our capacity will increase by another 120 MW. We will be able to supply around 1900 MW of electricity in the Kashmir division.”
“Power department has enhanced its transmission capacity and it is now the responsibility of consumers to use power judiciously,” he said.
As per the official figures on December 1, peak load of 1688 MW was supplied. Total energy supplied was 358 lakh units; an increase of 12.54 percent over last year (318 lakh units) was recorded.
However despite the department enhancing the power supply capacity, consumers complain of unscheduled power cuts. The officials of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited blame power thefts for load shedding.
“Our load agreement with consumers in the Kashmir division is for 860 MW of power, while we are supplying over 1700 MW which is double the agreed load. It clearly signifies that there is power pilferage which is taking place and the corporation is incurring losses,” said a senior KPDCL official.
However the consumers have a different tale to narrate. They say that the corporation cannot put blame on consumers for its failure to ensure quality power supply.
“Power department, government has both men and machinery to take action against those who are resorting to power pilferage, why are they making genuine consumers suffer. Nobody justifies power thefts, but at the same time there is a need to make their field staff accountable,” said Ajaz Ahmad, a trader.
Principal Secretary to Power Development Department Rohit Kansal has also appealed to the people to use electricity judiciously, so that the department is able to serve the consumers better even during harsh winter season.
“If people make judicious use of electricity, we will have more power supply and we will be able to reduce the curtailment period,” Kansal had said.