Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 27: Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Power Development Department, Ashwani Kumar today conducted a series of comprehensive review meetings across all corporations of the power sector to assess infrastructure status, operational performance and preparedness to meet growing demand in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meetings were attended by the Managing Directors of all corporations, Director Finance, Director Planning, Chief Engineers, Chief Electrical Inspector and other senior officers and were held at the respective corporate offices.
During the review, the officers informed that a peak demand of 3350 MW has been successfully met during the winter season, registering an increase of about seven per cent over last year, while an average demand of 2600 MW is being consistently supplied. The Financial Commissioner was also briefed about the different power procurement sources for the Union Territory.
He directed the officers to ensure regular and uninterrupted power supply during the forthcoming Iftar and Sehri hours, stressing that unscheduled power cuts should be completely avoided. He called for establishing a robust load monitoring mechanism, reduction in energy losses and strengthening of consumer grievance redressal systems.
Emphasizing the need for early rollout of smart metering, he asked the engineers to prioritize installation in commercial and industrial sectors as well as on distribution transformers. He said the reform would improve the quality of power supply and enhance the financial sustainability of the sector through better energy accounting.
The Financial Commissioner also reviewed the progress of major transmission projects and their timelines. He directed that funding proposals under Central sector schemes and the UT budget be pursued on priority and that technical and infrastructure interventions be fast-tracked to address low-voltage issues in certain areas.
In the generation sector, progress on Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar and Ratle hydroelectric projects was reviewed. He stressed exploring pumped storage projects in coordination with Central agencies for effective peak demand management.
He also took stock of summer preparedness of all corporations.
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