Energy deficit estimated at 189 million units
Regional power panel seeks measures to bridge gap
Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are projected to face a peak electricity shortfall of 623 megawatts (MW) in November, with anticipated power availability falling 16.3 per cent below requirement, according to the latest Northern Regional Power Committee (NRPC) agenda, raising concerns over electricity supply as winter approaches.
The figures, contained in the agenda for the NRPC’s 248th Operation Coordination Committee meeting scheduled for October 22, show that the two Union Territories are expected to require 3,813 MW of electricity at peak demand against an anticipated availability of 3,190 MW.
The document, issued on October 16 and examined by Rising Kashmir, also projects an energy deficit of 189 million units (MU) during November, with an estimated requirement of 1,999 MU against availability of 1,810 MU.
This translates into a 9.5 per cent energy shortfall, indicating that the projected gap is not confined to periods of maximum electricity demand.
The figures are particularly significant because November marks the beginning of the colder period in Kashmir, when electricity consumption increases with the use of heating appliances and other seasonal requirements.
The NRPC document shows that the anticipated shortage comes against a relatively comfortable overall power position in the northern region.
While Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are projected to face a 16.3 per cent peak deficit, the northern region as a whole is expected to have 82,400 MW available against a requirement of 67,600 MW, representing a projected peak surplus of 14,800 MW.
In energy terms, the northern region is projected to have a marginal surplus of 151 MU, with availability of 39,000 MU against a requirement of 38,849 MU.
The November projections also place Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh among the northern region’s constituents facing anticipated shortages.
Punjab is projected to face an energy deficit of 556 MU, while Rajasthan is expected to record a shortfall of 324 MU. Himachal Pradesh, despite a projected energy surplus of 89 MU, is expected to face a peak power deficit of 395 MW under its revised forecast.
Unlike some other northern states, the NRPC agenda records that no revised November power-supply position had been submitted for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh at the time the document was prepared.
The regional committee has asked State Load Despatch Centres to update their anticipated power-supply positions and submit measures proposed to bridge gaps between electricity demand and availability.
The figures come after provisional September data showed that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh had recorded an energy requirement of 1,506 MU against actual availability of 1,493 MU, indicating a shortfall of 13 MU.
September’s actual peak demand also exceeded the anticipated level. Against an estimated peak requirement of 2,500 MW, the two Union Territories recorded 2,735 MW, an increase of 235 MW or 9.4 per cent over the forecast.
The NRPC has sought explanations from constituents reporting significant differences between anticipated and actual electricity requirements.
With the NRPC meeting scheduled for October 22, the measures proposed to address the projected deficit will be central to assessing the region’s preparedness for the coming winter.
