Low metering rate, AT&C losses major weakness of PDD in J&K, says report

SRINAGAR: Low metering rate, lack of skilled manpower, high (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) AT&C loss, and sole dependence on hydel energy are some of the major weakness that is being faced in power development in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
This has come to the fore in a report published by the Jammu and Kashmir, a copy of which lies with The News Now.
As per the report, the power demand in J&K is primarily met through hydel power, which, however, varies with seasonal variations, thereby causing a power deficit mainly during winters when power demand surges high.
The replacement of existing old and outdated elements of the distribution network has never been given due consideration and many of which are therefore continuing in the system for more than 40 years after repeated repairs, thereby posing a major hindrance in providing un-interrupted power supply mainly due to frequent snapping of conductors & damage to the transformers, it reads.
Moreover, the frequent snapping of conductors is a serious threat to men & material.
The present Transmission system needs strengthening by the creation of new transmission lines and grid stations which would require huge investment, not only to meet the growing power demand but also to evacuate power from the upcoming generation projects, the report reads.
The report further added that due to the existence of long LT lines carrying electricity to distant and scattered households over mountaintops, a substantial quantum of electricity is lost as a 12R loss, leading to a high cost of power supply.
A skilled workforce implies efficient operations of any organization. However, there is a dearth of skilled manpower to manage operations and maintenance of power systems in Jammu and Kashmir, the report reads.
It adds, “The Union Territory has a consumer base of around 22 lakh, out of which metered consumers are 50% only. The percentage of consumers who complaint metering is still lower. The remaining consumers are being billed on fixed rate basis. There is no check on The High AT&C losses of the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department are one of the highest in the country. The present AT&C losses are of the order of 50% against the national average of 19.73%. Due to these losses, the gap between power purchase cost and revenue realization is huge, the report reads.