‘AT&C losses at 50 pc, need to be brought down’
4 projects with 3014 MW capacity to be ready by 2027
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Mar 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today that there are 50 percent AT&C (Aggregate Technical & Commercial) losses in power in Jammu and Kashmir which are far more than the neighbouring States and announced that four major power projects on river Chenab with combined capacity of 3014 MW will be commissioned by 2027.
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He said this in response to written queries and supplementaries by Shakti Raj Parihar (starred question) and Shamim Firdous (un-starred question) and other MLAs in the Legislative Assembly.
Omar announced that necessary steps to provide 200 units of free electricity to the consumers will be spelt out during demand for grants of the Power Development department.
It may be mentioned here that 200 units of free electricity to the consumers was one of the major promises of National Conference in its election manifesto.
“Our AT&C losses are much more than other States at 50 percent which means we suffer 50 percent loss of power. This has to be reduced and brought at par with the neighbouring States,” Omar, who holds charge of the Power department, said in response to supplementary query raised by Parihar, BJP MLA from Doda West.
The Chief Minister admitted that everything, everywhere in the power sector is not alright. “Had it been so why should we have been suffering 50 percent transmission losses,” he asserted.
AAP MLA from Doda Mehraj Din also shouted about lack of wires, poles in Doda.
In a written reply to un-starred question of NC MLA Shamim Firdous, the Chief Minister said four major power projects with combined capacity of 3014 MW are expected to be commissioned by 2027. He identified the projects as 1000 MW Pakal Dul HEP, 624 MW Kiru HEP, 540 MW Kwar HEP and 850 MW Ratle HEP, all on the river Chenab in Kishtwar district.
In addition to this, he said, the JKSPDC is implementing 37.5 MW Parnai HEP in Poonch district and 12 MW Karnah HEP in Kupwara district.
“This brings total capacity to 3063 MW by 2027-28. Moreover, 48 MW Lower Kalnai HEP in Kishtwar and 93 MW New Ganderbal HEP in Ganderbal district have already been tendered,” he added.
Omar said seven more mega power projects are planned to be developed in the coming years which include 390 MW Kirthai-I, 258 MW Dulhasti-II, 800 MW Bursar, 1856 MW Sawalkote, 240 MW Uri-I Stage-II, 89MW Ujh and 930 MW Kirthai-II.
“Although these projects will significantly boost Jammu and Kashmir’s generation capacity on their commissioning, hydro power projects typically experience reduced generation during the winter months. To achieve self-reliance in power generation, it is essential to have a balanced mix of power sources including thermal and nuclear power. This will involve securing power from external generations outside J&K,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that renewable energy sources are also being prioritized as a viable option to meet growing demand and fulfill international climate change commitments.
Omar announced that Jammu and Kashmir in consultations with the Government of India has developed a Resource Adequacy (RA) Plan till 2035 which outlines the steps needed to increase generation capacity, both though the development of local generating stations and by securing power from external sources.
“As part of this plan, J&K has already signed PPAs for 393 MW of thermal power from six power generators. Moving forward, we will continue to implement measures in line with the RA plan to ensure energy security and created a surplus power supply year-round by securing power from diverse generators at affordable places,” the Chief Minister said.
Omar said that Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is being implemented to curb losses and modernize power infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The funds for LR works have been sanctioned at the district level rather than for individual constituencies,” he added.
The Chief Minister informed the House that the sanctioned cost for LR works in Doda district is Rs 86.28 crore, with the works awarded in September 2023.
“The funds for these works are being released by the Ministry of Power in different tranches based on the progress of the projects. So far, Rs 17 crore has been released in two tranches, both of which have been fully utilized. Funds for the next tranche are being sought as per the norms of the scheme,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the slow progress of RDSS projects, Omar explained that after the issuance of the sanction order, the package (including Doda district) was tendered for the first time on March 31, 2023.
“However, due to a poor response, the tendering process had to be extended three times. Finally, the bid was opened on August 4, 2023, and awarded on September 8, 2023,” he stated.
He further informed that 12.25% progress has been achieved so far, and the works are moving forward at full pace with no delays.
“Going by the current pace, it is expected that the works in Doda district will be completed well within the sunset date of RDSS, which is March 31, 2026,” he added.
The Chief Minister further stated that the RDSS Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were formulated in two parts, one which includes Loss Reduction (LR) works and smart metering projects and part b which covers modernization works.
“The DPRs for both parts were submitted to the Ministry of Power. However, the sanction has been received only for Part A works,” he said. Regarding Part B, the Chief Minister mentioned that the DPRs are currently at the appraisal stage with the Nodal Agency of MoP.
“Once the Part B DPRs are sanctioned by MoP, the modernization works will be awarded as per the terms and conditions specified in the sanction order,” he concluded.
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