SRINAGAR: Amidst growing demand for electricity, power consumption in Jammu and Kashmir has increased by over 13 percent in the past four years.
“From 2020-21 to 2023-24, JK witnessed a steady increase in per capita electricity consumption, rising from 1,322 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 1,507 kWh,” official documents read.
The document adds, “This trend reflects a growing demand for power alongside a population increase from 13.41 million to 13.70 million. The total electricity purchased and consumed rose from 17,721.76 million units to 20,644.47 million units during this period.”
Currently, JK has 23.45 lakh electric connections serving consumers across various categories.
“At least 14 lakh smart meters are planned for installation. Of these, 7.27 lakh are targeted to be installed by March 2025, and 5.78 lakh have already been installed,” the document notes.
Additionally, the government aims to complete loss-reduction infrastructure projects by March 2025.
Regarding the renewable energy sector in J&K, the documents highlight significant progress, particularly in solar and small hydropower projects.
The Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) has allocated 35 mini-hydel projects (MHPs) with a total capacity of 103.05 MW under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) mode. Commissioned projects include the 5 MW SHP Bultikulan and the 3.75 MW SHP Khari.
Furthermore, the documents reveal plans for an additional 37 small hydropower projects with a total capacity of 107 MW under the IPP mode. Thirteen more projects, with a combined capacity of 112.50 MW, are planned under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode, pending the release of funds.
In the solar energy sector, 27.85 MW of capacity has been developed through initiatives such as the Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Power Plant scheme and the PM-KUSUM scheme. Future plans include achieving 500 MW of grid-connected solar power and installing 15,000 solar pumps by 2026. (KNO)
