SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Friday said that nearly 90 per cent of the sub-transmission network across the Valley has been energised following widespread disruptions caused by heavy snowfall and high-speed gusty winds.
In an official statement, KPDCL said its field machinery remains fully deployed and is working with “maximum efficiency and determination” to restore power supply to all affected areas. The recent spell of severe weather damaged the electrical infrastructure at multiple locations, while restoration efforts in several areas were delayed on Thursday due to road blockades and limited accessibility caused by heavy snow.
The restoration process, being carried out on a war footing, is extensive and involves removal of dismantled rooftops from power lines, repairs to High Tension (HT) and Low Tension (LT) networks, and replacement of damaged distribution transformers (DTs).
At the sub-transmission level, 120 out of 135 numbers of 33 kV lines have been restored, energising nearly 90 per cent of the network. At the distribution level, 912 out of 1,302 numbers of 11 kV feeders have been energised, restoring power supply to areas connected through these feeders.
KPDCL said the restoration work is being continuously monitored at the level of the Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) to the Government, JKPDD, and is being actively supervised by the Managing Director, KPDCL, along with the Chief Engineer (Distribution) and other senior officers.
According to the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), a load of 1,220 MW is currently being recorded, indicating that power consumption has resumed for a major section of the population.
Meanwhile, dedicated teams have been deployed to restore power supply in the higher reaches of Shopian, Kulgam and Budgam districts, which were among the worst affected by the recent weather conditions.
The corporation also informed that damage to a transmission tower at Sheeri on the Delina–LJHP 132 kV transmission line has constrained restoration efforts in parts of north Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation Limited (JKPTCL), Kashmir, is actively working on erecting an Emergency Restoration System (ERS) at the site, after which power supply to the Baramulla and Uri areas is expected to be restored.
