From 20% gap in 2020 to zero shortage since 2022
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: In a significant development indicating strengthening of the power infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Ministry of Power has revealed that the region has witnessed zero electricity shortfalls during peak summer months for three consecutive years—2022, 2023, and 2024.
According to a written reply to Unstarred Question No. 958 in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Power, Shripad Naik, J&K has successfully met its entire electricity peak demand in the months of April to June for the past three years, reversing the worrying trend seen earlier in 2020 and 2021.
During the summer months of April to June 2020, Jammu and Kashmir faced a significant electricity shortage. The peak demand stood at 2,940 MW, but only 2,352 MW could be supplied, resulting in a deficit of 588 MW, which translated to a 20% shortfall in meeting the region’s power needs.
In the following year, 2021, the situation improved moderately. The peak electricity demand increased slightly to 3,018 MW, of which 2,668 MW was met. This left a deficit of 350 MW, equivalent to a shortfall of 11.6%.
By 2022, Jammu and Kashmir achieved a remarkable turnaround. For the first time in the five-year period, the entire peak demand of 2,723 MW during the April to June period was fully met, resulting in zero power deficit.
This positive trend continued into 2023, when the region recorded a peak demand of 2,890 MW, all of which was successfully supplied without any shortage.
In 2024, the upward momentum was maintained. Jammu and Kashmir’s peak summer demand rose slightly to 2,924 MW, yet the entire requirement was met, reaffirming the region’s improved electricity management and supply capabilities.
As per the latest figures for 2025 (up to June), the Union Territory has sustained this performance, meeting its entire peak demand of 2,906 MW with no reported deficit, marking three consecutive years of 100% power availability during the summer peak period.
The sharp decline in the demand-supply gap is being seen as a reflection of infrastructure upgrades, better resource planning, and central support through power allocation from Central Generating Stations.
Officials say the Union Government continues to support states and UTs like Jammu & Kashmir through reforms in grid management, scheduled hydroelectric production, and the Real-Time Market (RTM) for electricity, which have collectively helped ensure that even during peak demand periods in summer, the power supply has remained uninterrupted.
While states like Kerala and Jharkhand have continued to witness power shortages during summer months, J&K’s zero deficit trend stands out as a positive case study, especially given its challenging geography and complex grid management issues in the past.
The improved power supply also signals better prospects for industrial activity and tourism services in the region, both of which are heavily dependent on consistent electricity availability.
