As Jammu reels under an unforgiving heat wave, residents are forced to endure prolonged power cuts, largely caused by transformer failures. While the Jammu Power Development Corporation Ltd attempts damage control through prompt replacements and buffer stocks, it is clear that the crisis runs deeper than mere heat-induced overloads. The frequent transformer malfunctions point to chronic systemic failures, particularly the unchecked overloading, rampant illegal connections, and the department’s long-standing inability to revise and regulate consumer load. The root of the problem lies in outdated and unregulated load assessments. Consumers across Jammu are using far more electricity than they are officially sanctioned for, primarily due to the growing use of high-powered cooling appliances during peak summer months. Yet, JPDCL has failed to initiate a comprehensive revision of connected loads, which has left distribution transformers under-rated and vulnerable to overloading. The absence of an updated load profile means transformers are serving demand far beyond their intended capacity-resulting in burnout and failure. Further compounding the problem is the department’s failure to crack down on illegal electricity connections. These unauthorised linkages put additional load on transformers and skew the data needed for any realistic infrastructure planning. The persistence of such practices indicates weak enforcement mechanisms and a lack of will to take corrective action.
The solution is not just in reactive transformer replacements but in proactive, systemic reform. JPDCL must immediately initiate a door-to-door load revision campaign to assess actual electricity usage and revise sanctioned loads accordingly and ensure minimum electric theft. Only with a realistic understanding of demand can the department plan for proper transformer capacity and upgrades. Equally important is ensuring the quality and upkeep of transformers. Routine audits of transformer cooling oil and monitoring of repair quality must become a standard practice. These measures would prevent untimely failures and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure. The current crisis is not a seasonal aberration but a result of years of institutional oversight. It’s time JPDCL stopped firefighting and started planning. The residents deserve a reliable power supply, and the roadmap to that begins with accountability, assessment, and action.
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