Context:

• With the augmentation of new grid stations, the power supply in the Kashmir division has recorded an increase of 15 per cent in comparison to 2021.
• During the winter season, Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) is now supplying an additional 200 megawatts of electricity.
• According to Chief Engineer Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited the power supply has increased by 15 per cent which ensured that there were no prolonged power cuts., underlining the aim of the department that their aim is to provide quality power supply to consumers.
• With rising temperatures, the power demand will come down and the department will then announce revised curtailment schedules. There were no major power outages post snowfall a development that was driven mainly by the fact that the department was well-prepared.
• The department restored 100 per cent power supply after snowfall within a time of 10 hours in January.
• The department is also looking forward to installation of smart meters. The installation of smart meters will help in curbing power pilferage and consumers will reap its benefits as power curtailments will become things of the past when smart meters are installed across the Kashmir division.
• The Power Department in the Kashmir division has increased its transmission capacity with a result for the first time peak load of 1750 megawatt was supplied by the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).
• Though the unrestricted demand in Kashmir reached over 2800 MW, the increase in transmission capacity will play a key role in minimizing the load shedding.
• It is pertinent to mention that during winter season, local hydropower generation in UT of Jammu and Kashmir witnesses a drastic dip as a result of which the majority of the energy consumed here is being imported from outside Discoms.
• Jammu and Kashmir spends Rs 6200 crore annually on power purchases while its revenue realisation is just Rs 2600 crore on account of tariffs collected from consumers.
• Despite having the capacity to generate 20000 MW of hydropower, only 3500 MW of electricity could be harnessed after 1947.
• Now the centre government has sanctioned hydro projects of 3400 MW in two years.  
• On an optimistic note, the officials claim to generate the same amount of electricity in the next four to five years that was generated in the last seven decades.