‘Talks on to procure more electricity, schedule to be announced as per availability’
Srinagar, Oct 11 :
Amid installation of smart meters coupled with the complaints of pesky power cuts across the Valley, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) is likely to announce winter curtailment schedule by October 14.
The decision to come up with a power curtailment schedule comes at a time when the erratic power supply has taken a heavy toll on the consumers including the domestic as well as the commercial, which include the industrialists as well. The move also comes close on the heels of a massive smart meter installation drive across Srinagar and elsewhere.
Official sources while divulging the details with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the power curtailment schedule has not been announced yet, but will be there by Saturday.
“The department is presently in talks to procure additional electricity to meet the increasing power demand. A positive response in this regard is expected by Saturday following which the curtailment schedule will be announced according to the power availability,” they said.
“The curtailment schedule will be at par with the previous year’s plan. No extra curtailments are expected,” an official from KPDCL told KNO.
However, the government had earlier stated that 400 Megawatts of electricity has been procured from Uttar Pradesh and Central governments, which would put an end to the pesky power cuts.
By October 09, the government had stated an extra 150 MWs of electricity will be procured; therefore a total of 550 MWs will be made available for the consumers.
Nonetheless, the consumers continued to witness frequent power cuts, resulting in hardships to them.
The industrialists and traders have also complained of erratic power supply, stating that inadequate electricity supply has been giving them huge losses and demanded immediate measures in this regard—(KNO)