Power outages have become a critical issue in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with recent reports indicating that residents are facing disruptions extending over 18 hours a day. The region has historically dealt with power cuts; during the peak of the pandemic two years ago, unscheduled outages hindered the operation of oxygen cylinders, complicating healthcare access. Currently, these extensive outages are occurring during winter when temperatures are dropping sharply.
Jammu and Kashmir stands out among Indian states and Union Territories, facing severe challenges regarding power supply. While no Indian province has achieved consistent electricity availability year-round, Jammu and Kashmir records the highest frequency and duration of outages by a significant margin, with measurements like SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) and SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index) illustrating the scale of the problem.
SAIDI quantifies the annual hours of non-momentary electric interruptions experienced by an average consumer. Data from 2021-22 reveals that the two power distribution offices in Jammu and Kashmir—KPDCL (Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited) and JPDCL (Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited)—lead the SAIDI rankings, with KPDCL reporting 889 hours of interruptions per customer, equating to approximately 37 days without power. JPDCL follows with 489 hours, nearing 20 days of outages.
SAIFI, which assesses the frequency of non-momentary interruptions, also presents troubling statistics. KPDCL recorded 713 interruptions in 2021-22, the second highest among distribution companies, while JPDCL noted 442 interruptions, placing it fourth.
Recent trends continue to show a worrying trajectory for power availability. In September 2023, KPDCL noted a SAIFI value of 105, indicating over a hundred interruptions in that month, and a SAIDI value of 80, totaling 80 hours of power cuts. These figures starkly contrast with those from other states, further exemplifying Jammu and Kashmir’s ongoing challenges with electricity distribution.
Interestingly, while power outages are typically more pronounced in rural regions, urban areas in Jammu and Kashmir experience similar conditions. The territory reported over 736 hours of total cuts, far surpassing other states, with the only comparable regions being in the northeastern part of India.
The ramifications of these prolonged power outages extend beyond mere inconvenience; they can adversely impact household income, reduce educational opportunities, particularly for young girls, and limit employment prospects for women, as highlighted by a World Bank report.
For further information, the report is sourced from the National Power Portal and Lok Sabha question-and-answer sessions.
Published on November 29, 2023, at 09:30 am IST.
