Kashmir in the dark: Smart meters fizzle, residents sizzle in winter woes

As the harsh winter descends upon the Kashmir Valley, its residents are grappling with an unprecedented power crisis that has cast a shadow over their lives. Despite being a resource-rich region with vast hydropower potential, the region is facing prolonged and frequent power outages, disrupting daily routines, affecting businesses and exacerbating the challenges of living in a region with a notoriously harsh climate. Residents of Baramulla district in north Kashmir are frantic as they struggle with the power crises despite the installation of smart meters in their areas. This has led to widespread frustration and disappointment among the residents, who are questioning the utility of smart meters if they do not guarantee uninterrupted power supply. “What was the point of installing smart meters if they cannot provide us with reliable electricity?” asked a resident of Sopore. “We are only getting 3-4 hours of electricity per day, which is not enough to meet our daily needs.” Another resident from Baramulla, Mohd Amin echoed similar concerns, stating, “If curtailments are necessary, they should be minimal to avoid causing severe inconvenience to the people.” “We are fed up with unfulfilled promises of better power supply,” cried Shahid Ahmed, a local from Baramulla’s Pattan district. Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, SA Raina was quoted as saying: “No doubt people are facing severe inconveniences due to inadequate power supply. However, the matter is being taken up with the higher officials and we are hopeful that the crisis ends soon.” The government’s failure to fulfill its promise of uninterrupted power supply has brought into question its commitment to the welfare of its citizens. Residents are demanding a resolution to this issue and are calling for the government to take concrete steps to ensure reliable power supply for all. In a time when technology is touted as a solution to many problems, the installation of smart meters in Baramulla district has only served to highlight the government’s inability to provide basic necessities like electricity. Residents are left wondering what the purpose of these smart meters is if they cannot provide them with the power they need to live a comfortable and productive life. The power crisis in Kashmir is rooted in a complex web of factors. To start with, Jammu and Kashmir has lopsided power sharing agreements with the National Hydroelectric Projects Corporation (NHPC), a central government-owned company. These have resulted in a disproportionate allocation of power generated from the state’s hydropower projects. While the state produces a surplus of nearly 900 MW, it only receives a meagre 261 MW, leaving it to rely on expensive power purchases from the Northern Grid Corporation. Kashmir’s outdated power infrastructure is a cause of concern too, primarily transmission and distribution lines, which are in dire need of modernisation. This aging infrastructure is unable to efficiently transmit and distribute the limited power available, leading to frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations. The spurt in demand for electricity in Kashmir cannot be overruled as a major factor. Demand has been steadily increasing due to factors such as population growth, economic development and the adoption of energy-intensive appliances. This growing demand is putting further strain on the already overburdened power system. The consequences of the power crisis are far-reaching. Not only does it disrupt daily life at homes, businesses and essential services, making it difficult to prepare meals, study and operate essential equipment, but there is also a massive economic impact. Businesses are facing significant losses due to power outages, affecting productivity and hindering economic growth. Health concerns have witnessed an alarming rise, as the absence of power for heating and medical equipment poses a serious threat to the elderly, children and those with compromised health, particularly during the harsh winter months. While the Government of India heavily emphasises on the need to counter climate control, it’s unfortunate that in Jammu and Kashmir, reliance on expensive power purchases from other states contributes to increased carbon emissions, exacerbating environmental concerns. The Jammu and Kashmir government has taken some steps to address the power crisis, but they all come with their own side effects. To enumerate, here are some initiatives that the Government of India is initiating to address these looming concerns:

1. Procuring additional power from the Northern Grid Corporation to meet the shortfall. However, this comes at a significant financial cost.
2. Initiated projects to upgrade transmission and distribution lines, but these are long-term initiatives and will take time to materialize.
3. Exploring the potential of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce reliance on hydropower and provide a more sustainable solution.
4. Engaging with the NHPC to negotiate more favorable power sharing agreements that would allocate a larger share of the generated power to the state.

While these measures are commendable, a long-term solution requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the crisis. This includes:

1. Investing in Modernisation: A significant investment is needed to modernize the entire power infrastructure, from generation to transmission and distribution, to ensure efficient and reliable power supply.
2. Promoting Energy Efficiency: Encouraging energy-efficient practices among households, businesses, and industries can reduce overall energy consumption and alleviate the strain on the power system.
3. Harnessing Renewable Energy: Aggressively expanding renewable energy production can not only reduce reliance on hydropower but also contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
4. Optimising Power Sharing Agreements: Negotiating more equitable power sharing agreements with the NHPC and other power-producing entities is crucial to ensure that the state receives a fair share of its generated power.

In a bid to overcome the impending power crisis that looms over Jammu and Kashmir, the UT government has taken a bold step towards securing an additional 2,400 MW of electricity from NTPC and Solar Power Corporation of India. This procurement, sanctioned by Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha aims to bridge the gap between the burgeoning electricity demand during the winter months and the limited in-house generation capacity. Principal Secretary, Power Development Department (PDD), H Rajesh Prasad, underscored the urgency of the situation, emphasising that the power demand in Jammu and Kashmir has surged to 3200 MW, while the state’s in-house generation capacity stands at a mere 1,350 MW. This significant shortfall stems primarily from the seasonal slump in hydropower generation, which has plunged to a staggering 85 per cent below its summer levels. The dwindling water levels in rivers and water bodies have severely impacted hydropower production, plummeting from a peak of 1050 MW in June-July to a mere 150 MW in the harsh winter months. Procuring 2,400 MW of electricity from external sources serves as a crucial short-term measure to address the immediate power shortage. However, the government should not be content with temporary solutions. In fact the government needs to be committed to implementing long-term strategies to enhance the state’s overall power infrastructure and reduce dependence on hydropower. These efforts must encompass upgrading transmission and distribution lines, promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, and negotiating more favorable power-sharing agreements with central government agencies. By addressing the immediate shortage while simultaneously investing in infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy, the government must strive to forge a more resilient power system for the future of Jammu and Kashmir. The procurement, which entails 950 MW through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NTPC, 1,650 MW from SPCI, and 500 MW under the Government of India’s Shakti Policy, will play a pivotal role in bridging the power deficit during the winter season, alleviating the burden on residents and businesses. As per reports, the government is concurrently implementing a comprehensive plan to enhance the state’s overall power infrastructure and reduce reliance on hydropower. Hydropower is the primary source of electricity in Jammu and Kashmir, accounting for approximately 85 per cent of the state’s power generation. However, hydropower generation has been declining due to a dry spell in the summer and reduced water flow in the state’s rivers. The Jhelum River, the primary source of hydropower, has witnessed a significant drop in water levels, contributing to the generation deficit. Jammu and Kashmir also suffers from the highest transmission and distribution losses in India, reaching up to 50 per cent. These losses are attributed to various factors, including power theft, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of metering systems. These losses reduce the amount of power available for distribution to households and businesses, further exacerbating the crisis. Despite having a vast hydropower potential of 20,000 MW, Jammu and Kashmir has only harnessed 16 per cent of this potential. This underutilisation is due to factors such as the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, which restricts the state’s ability to utilise its water resources for hydropower generation and delays in project implementation. The Jammu and Kashmir government’s ambitious plan to double its power generation capacity in the next three years faces significant hurdles, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). The CAG report highlights a number of challenges, including delays in project implementation, lack of coordination between agencies and financing issues. Key concerns raised by the CAG report:

1. Unviable hydropower projects: The CAG report questions the viability of 20 hydropower projects proposed under the Prime Minister’s Development Package due to high project costs and unviable tariffs. The central government has not approved funding for these projects.
2. Lack of coordination: The report criticises the lack of coordination between nodal agencies and line departments in facilitating clearances, approvals and finances for hydropower projects. This has led to delays and cost overruns.
3. Financial constraints: Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have faced difficulties obtaining financing from banks due to the absence of buy-back agreements with the Jammu and Kashmir government. This has hindered the development of hydropower projects.
4. Transmission line delays: The failure to complete the transmission line alongside the hydro project at Dah has resulted in a loss of power generation and revenue. This highlights the importance of timely infrastructure development.
5. Projects selling power outside Jammu and Kashmir: Three hydropower projects with a generation capacity of 12 MW are selling power outside the UT, contradicting the objective of providing energy solutions to remote areas. This raises concerns about the prioritization of power distribution.

Despite the challenges, The Jammu and Kashmir government remains committed to its ambitious hydropower goals and is investing Rs 34,000 crore through collaboration with NHPC to execute five mega hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 4,134 MW. Upon completion, these projects are expected to generate surplus power, making Jammu and Kashmir a hydropower exporter. However, the CAG report raises concerns about the government’s claims of 3,498 MW additional energy. According to the report, Jammu and Kashmir would receive only 13 per cent of this additional energy, amounting to approximately 300 MW. This discrepancy highlights the need for transparency and clarity in power-sharing agreements. The Jammu and Kashmir government’s hydropower ambitions are commendable, but the CAG report underscores the need to address the challenges identified to achieve sustainable hydropower development. This includes ensuring project viability, streamlining the approval process and enhancing coordination between agencies. Additionally, the government should prioritise power distribution to remote areas and clarify power-sharing agreements to ensure equitable benefits. The power crisis in Kashmir is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a multi-pronged approach to address. If the government invests in the aforementioned prospects, Jammu and Kashmir can move towards a more sustainable and reliable power system. The author is a Kashmir-based journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .