KPDCL mulls round-the-clock supply in add’l areas as power scenario improves

SRINAGAR, DEC 19: In a major development, the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) is contemplating the provision of continuous power supply in several more areas following a notable improvement in the power scenario.
A senior official from KPDCL disclosed that with additional allocations, the power situation has become comfortable, with minimal distress cuts observed.

“Feeders reporting minimal losses shall be put on 24×7 mode, as has been done with 22 feeders earlier this month,” KPDCL announced on its social media platform.
Earlier this month, KPDCL introduced round-the-clock power supply to 22 feeders as part of its efforts to incentivize areas where Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses have decreased to a minimal level. Officials have indicated that by the end of this month, KPDCL will announce further areas that will receive continuous power supply.
The government of Jammu and Kashmir has procured additional power supply to address power curtailments in the Valley. The Chief Engineer Distribution stated that this decision is aimed at encouraging consumers with smart metering and feeders to demonstrate low AT&C losses.
The Chief Engineer clarified that the 22 substations will only experience curtailment if there is a noticeable decline in billing efficiency and an increase in AT&C losses. Thorough inspections of these feeders will be conducted by the Assistant Executive Engineer responsible. If billing efficiency decreases or AT&C losses rise, these 22 feeders will be treated as regular metered feeders.
The 22 outgoing feeders that have already benefited from round-the-clock power supply include Papchan, Nishat, Achabal, Chee Panthidpora, Prakhaspora, Malaknag, Iqbalabad, Verinag, Sangam Colony (New Feeder), Alamdar Colony, Wanbal, Hamdania Colony, Rajbagh Zero Bridge, Gulberg Colony, 90ft Soura, Indra Nagar, Zakura Crossing, Jan Mohalla, Main Lalbazar, Botshah Mohallah, Deewan Colony Shalimar, Gulab Bagh, Ellahibagh, and Saloora.
The AT&C loss of the Power Development Department in Jammu and Kashmir is currently among the highest in India, standing at around 50 percent, contrasting with the national average of 19.73 percent. This substantial deviation poses a challenge as it widens the disparity between the cost of power purchase and the revenue generated. KPDCL’s initiatives to curb losses and enhance power supply aim to bridge this gap and ensure sustainable and uninterrupted electricity access in the region.