NAVVNEET DUBEY
Jammu: With the advent of Chillai-Kalan -Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is likely to witness a power deficit of more than 34 percent in the coming fortnight. The officials said that in the anticipated power supply position in the northern region for December, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is likely to have a power shortage of 34.2 percent.
The higher reaches of Kashmir witnessed snowfall and the plains experienced rain on Sunday, as the Chillai-Kalan period commenced. This 40-day phase is known for its severe winter conditions and is expected to bring much-needed moisture to the region after a prolonged dry spell.
As per figures there is an availability of just 2460 Megawatts (MWs) against a requirement of 3737 MWs in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It also reveals that there is a shortage of 1277 MWs. Another official said, “With the increase in winter, demand of J&K control area is on a higher side and it is hovering around 3200MW.”
It also said that the heating load is also picking up during early morning and night hours. “The demand may further increase in the coming days.” “It has been observed that the 400kV as well as 220kV Bus voltages at various stations in Kashmir valley are remaining critically low also reaching 347kV and 178kV—well below the Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) band i.e. 380kV and 198kV respectively due to low hydro generation and heavy MVAR drawl from the ISTS nodes,” it reads.
Authorities last month have projected that Jammu and Kashmir will likely have an extra power demand by 49.42 percent by the year 2034-35. The official had clarified that the peak demand will be more than the average growth saying that the region may likely witness an increase in power demand by 6 percent each year from 2025-26 to 2034-2035.
Stating the year wise growth rate in power demand, authorities have said that in the year Jammu and Kashmir will likely have a five percent extra demand in the year 2025-26 followed by four percent in the year 2026-27, four percent in 2027-28, three percent in 2028-29.
J&K faces an overall power deficit of nearly 1200 MW, even as peak-hour imports touch in excess of 3700 MW. During non-peak hours, imports still range between 2,400–2,800 MW, underscoring how deeply the region depends on power sourced from outside.
The demand pattern further highlights the imbalance. The Kashmir region requires around 2,400–2,500 MW, while Jammu division needs 1,400–1,500 MW. With such high demand, even minor disruptions or shortfalls quickly translate into longer power cuts, particularly in far-flung and rural areas. Official projections warning of a 34 percent power deficit during December only reinforce public anxieties about energy security.
Compounding the supply-side issues are distribution losses and inefficiencies. Power officials have acknowledged that pilferage, flat-rate billing, and outdated infrastructure account for significant losses, especially in areas yet to be covered by smart metering. The promise that smart meters could drastically reduce losses is encouraging, but it also exposes how long systemic reforms have been delayed.
Another official said that the power deficit in J&K is not merely a technical issue; it is a development challenge. Reliable electricity underpins industry, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life. Continued dependence on imported power drains financial resources and limits the UT’s economic autonomy.
