Kashmir Power Cuts Return Despite 3,100 MW Generation: Why Are Consumers Facing Outages Amid Surplus Electricity?
By: Javid Amin | 14 June 2026
Unscheduled Outages Return to Kashmir Despite Improved Power Availability
The return of unscheduled electricity cuts across Kashmir during the peak summer season has reignited public frustration and raised serious questions about power management in Jammu and Kashmir.
What makes the situation particularly puzzling for consumers is that the outages are occurring at a time when the Union Territory is generating and receiving significantly more electricity than it requires. Official figures indicate that power availability in Jammu and Kashmir currently exceeds 3,100 megawatts from local and central sector projects, with an additional 1,000 megawatts being imported from the national grid.
Yet, residents across multiple districts in Kashmir report recurring interruptions in electricity supply, often without prior notice.
The development has triggered a debate over transparency, regional power allocation, and whether consumers who have embraced power reforms are receiving the benefits they were promised.
Consumers Say Reforms Were Accepted, Reliable Supply Was Expected
For the past several years, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has invested heavily in modernising the power distribution network. Smart meters, upgraded transformers, and Aerial Bundled (AB) cable systems were introduced with the dual objective of reducing losses and ensuring reliable electricity supply.
Residents say they cooperated with these reforms because they were assured that improved revenue collection and lower losses would translate into better service.
Aijaz Ahmad, a resident of Soura, said his locality had enjoyed uninterrupted electricity for nearly three years after being fully covered under smart metering and AB cable infrastructure.
However, according to him, power cuts have resurfaced during the last month without any apparent reason.
Many consumers argue that the recent outages undermine public confidence in ongoing reforms. They say that if areas with modern infrastructure and high bill recovery rates are still facing curtailments, it becomes difficult to understand the practical benefits of the reforms.
Similar concerns are being echoed from Rawalpora and several other parts of Srinagar, where residents claim interruptions have become increasingly frequent despite the absence of any publicly announced load-shedding schedule.
Government’s Promise on Low-Loss Feeders Under Scrutiny
The issue gains significance because the government has repeatedly maintained that feeders recording Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses below 15 percent would qualify for uninterrupted electricity supply.
AT&C losses refer to the gap between electricity supplied and the revenue actually realised. The figure includes both technical losses within the network and commercial losses such as theft or unpaid bills.
The policy was designed to encourage consumers to pay bills regularly and support reforms. In many areas of Kashmir, consumers responded positively, leading to substantial improvements in revenue collection.
However, the recent outages have led residents to question whether the promised incentive-based model is being implemented consistently.
Many consumers now want authorities to publicly explain how feeder performance is being assessed and whether low-loss areas continue to enjoy preferential treatment.
Why Kashmir Is Facing Curtailments Despite Moderate Demand
Power officials attribute the situation to demand management at the Union Territory level rather than a shortage of available electricity.
According to senior officials in the power distribution system, Kashmir’s electricity load is presently being restricted to around 1,100–1,200 megawatts.
As a result, forced curtailments are reportedly being implemented in parts of the Valley.
Officials argue that the situation is linked to the contrasting demand patterns of Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmir’s Peak Demand Comes in Winter
Traditionally, Kashmir experiences its highest electricity demand during winter when electric heating systems, heating appliances, and other energy-intensive equipment are used extensively.
Winter demand often places enormous pressure on the power sector, particularly because local hydropower generation declines sharply due to reduced water discharge in rivers and reservoirs.
Jammu’s Peak Demand Comes in Summer
In contrast, Jammu records its highest power consumption during summer.
The ongoing heatwave conditions and rising temperatures have significantly increased the use of air conditioners, coolers, refrigeration systems, and other cooling appliances.
Officials estimate that Jammu’s electricity demand is currently approaching 1,600 megawatts, making it the dominant consumer of power during the summer season.
As a result, additional power allocation is reportedly being directed towards the Jammu region.
The Numbers Tell a Complex Story
The controversy surrounding the current power cuts stems largely from the apparent mismatch between electricity availability and electricity consumption.
Current Power Generation Position
Official data indicates:
- Power generation from Central Sector projects allocated to J&K: 2,108 MW
- Generation from J&K-owned power projects: 1,063 MW
- Combined available generation: More than 3,171 MW
- Additional import from the national grid: Around 1,000 MW
This means the Union Territory potentially has access to well over 4,000 MW of electricity during the current period.
Current Power Consumption Position
As of Sunday afternoon:
- Total J&K electricity load: 2,088 MW
- Kashmir consumption: 916 MW
- Jammu consumption: 1,172 MW
These figures suggest that the overall electricity demand across Jammu and Kashmir remains substantially below the total available power pool.
This has naturally prompted questions from consumers and energy observers regarding the rationale behind continuing curtailments.
Why Generation Figures Alone Do Not Guarantee Supply
Energy experts caution that electricity generation numbers do not always translate directly into uninterrupted supply.
Several operational factors can influence power distribution:
Transmission Constraints
Electricity generated at power stations must travel through transmission corridors before reaching consumers. Bottlenecks or maintenance requirements in the transmission network can affect regional supply patterns.
Grid Balancing Requirements
Power systems must continuously balance generation and consumption. Even when overall generation appears sufficient, distribution authorities may undertake temporary load management to maintain grid stability.
Contractual Power Allocation
Some power generated from central projects may be tied to specific allocation arrangements and scheduling protocols under the national grid framework.
Maintenance and Infrastructure Limitations
Routine maintenance, equipment upgrades, and local distribution constraints can also necessitate temporary curtailments in specific areas.
However, consumers argue that if these factors are responsible, authorities should communicate them clearly rather than allowing uncertainty to fuel speculation.
Smart Metering Success Story Faces New Test
The recent power cuts come at a sensitive time for the government’s ambitious power sector reform programme.
Over the last few years, authorities have invested heavily in:
- Smart metering deployment
- Network strengthening
- Transformer upgrades
- AB cable installation
- Reduction of power theft
- Improved revenue collection
These measures have produced measurable improvements in several districts.
The return of unscheduled outages risks undermining public trust in these reforms, particularly among consumers who have consistently paid bills and supported modernisation efforts.
Energy sector analysts believe maintaining transparency will be critical for sustaining public cooperation.
Economic Impact of Power Interruptions
Beyond household inconvenience, recurring power cuts carry broader socio-economic consequences.
Small Businesses Bear the Brunt
Retail establishments, workshops, internet-based businesses, and service providers depend heavily on uninterrupted electricity.
Frequent outages can affect productivity, customer service, and operating costs.
Tourism Sector Concerns
With Kashmir’s tourism season in full swing, reliable electricity remains essential for hotels, guest houses, restaurants, and tourism-related services.
Any deterioration in power reliability can impact visitor experience and business operations.
Digital Economy Challenges
As more businesses, students, and professionals rely on online platforms, even short interruptions can disrupt work, education, and communication.
Growing Demand for Transparency and Accountability
The current debate is no longer solely about electricity shortages. It is increasingly about transparency, fairness, and public confidence.
Consumers want answers to several key questions:
- Why are power cuts occurring when generation levels are relatively high?
- What criteria are being used for regional power allocation?
- Are low-loss feeders still receiving the promised benefits?
- How long are the current curtailments expected to continue?
- Is Kashmir being subjected to load restrictions to meet Jammu’s rising summer demand?
Clear communication from power authorities could help address many of these concerns and reduce growing public dissatisfaction.
Conclusion
The resurgence of power cuts in Kashmir presents a paradox that many consumers find difficult to understand. At a time when Jammu and Kashmir is generating more than 3,100 MW of electricity, importing additional power from the national grid, and reporting a total load of just over 2,000 MW, residents are once again experiencing unscheduled outages.
While officials point to regional demand management and Jammu’s soaring summer consumption, consumers argue that years of reforms, smart metering adoption, and improved revenue collection should have translated into a more reliable power supply.
As questions mount over allocation priorities and load management practices, the issue underscores the need for greater transparency from authorities. For many residents, the concern is no longer merely about electricity availability—it is about understanding why power cuts persist despite apparent abundance.
