SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory currently grapples with substantial power cuts, enduring over 18 hours a day, reported The Hindu.
This persistent issue has been exacerbated during the winter season, with the region experiencing record electricity cuts. The challenges with power supply were evident even during the peak of the pandemic two years ago, causing difficulties in operating essential equipment like oxygen cylinders.
Jammu and Kashmir, as per a report in The Hindu stands out among Indian provinces, facing extended power outages.
The SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) and SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index) metrics reveal the magnitude of the issue.
In the 2021-22 period, the power distribution companies in J&K UT – KPDCL and JPDCL – recorded alarming figures.
KPDCL documented 889 hours of interruptions per customer, equivalent to around 37 days of power cuts, while JPDCL recorded 489 hours, nearly 20 days.
Further analysis of SAIFI values for the month of September 2023 indicates a continuation of the problem, with KPDCL reporting 105 interruptions, significantly higher than other regions. Additionally, in the same month, KPDCL recorded a SAIDI value of 80, reflecting 80 hours of power cuts, again ranking among the highest.
Even in urban areas, where power cuts are often less prevalent, J&K faces substantial challenges, with over 736 hours of power cuts in the 2020-21 period.
This situation adversely affects household income, study time for girls, and employment opportunities for women, as highlighted by a World Bank report. The region’s power woes persist, impacting both urban and rural areas, making it a unique case among Indian states.
