J&K on path of becoming power surplus, hydropower
Jammu and Kashmir is on the path of becoming power surplus, as it is all set to double the Hydropower Generation Capacity in next three years from the existing capacity of 3500 MW. The delay in execution of the projects has been eliminated and the pace of execution accelerated in the union territory.
As per J&K budget presented by union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in the direction of doubling the Hydropower Generation Capacity five Mega Hydro-power projects viz Ratle (824 MW), Kirthai-II (930 MW) Sawalakote (1856 MW), Dulhasti-Stage II (258 MW) and Uri-I Stage-II (240 MW) having total capacity of 4134 MW have been taken-up for execution in collaboration with NHPC. The likely investment in these projects is Rs.34882 crore and on completion will make J&K power surplus.
Also the on-going HEPs i.e., Kiru (624 MW), Kawar (540 MW) and Pakaldul (1000 MW) are being developed through Joint Venture. By 2022-23, major civil and electro-mechanical works of these projects will be completed.
Meanwhile, under the upgradation of transmission sector, the capacity is expected to reach to 12655 MVA by March 2022 and the transmission capacity at 220/132 KV level and 132/33 KV level is expected to be increased by 520 MVA and 580 MVA respectively in 2022-23.
Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) a new reforms-based and results-linked scheme introduced by Ministry of Power (GoI) aimed at reduction of Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses, 100% prepaid metering, reduction of Average cost of Service- Aggregate Revenue Realised (ACS-ARR), developing modern DISCOMs and Leveraging Artificial Intelligence besides focus on Operational Efficiency will be rolled out and made operational during 2022-23.
The power department for ensuring supply of reliable and quality power to the consumers has undertaken creation/augmentation of 11/0.33 KV critically overloaded substations and improvement/modernization of HT/LT lines.
For enhancing revenue realization Enforcement drive against power pilferage to be further intensified and made a regular feature to reduce losses and also ensure revenue realization. To increase billing efficiency and revenue realization, thrust would be laid on IT and On-line billing/collection. The process of Digitizing Database of Distribution Transformers and onboarding of remaining feeders on the National Power Portal (NPP) will be completed during 2022-23.
Meanwhile for further reducing power pilferage 6 lakh Smart Pre-paid meters to be installed (3 lakh each in Jammu and Kashmir Divisions) for preventing human intervention in billing/collection and subsequent reduction in Aggregate Technical &Commercial (AT&C) losses.
