Low Restoration Charges Power J&K PDD To Search Loans For Clearing Energy Dues – Kashmir Observer

Jammu- The Jammu and Kashmir Energy Growth Division (PDD) on Tuesday mentioned that J&Okay is going through challenges with low restoration charges.

Within the monetary 12 months 2022-23, whereas the ability buy value amounted to Rs. 9,886 crore, the gathering from the sale of energy to shoppers was solely Rs. 3,652 crore.

Consequently, to clear energy dues owed to producing firms, J&Okay has been compelled to avail loans totaling Rs. 32,000 crore up to now two years alone below liquidity infusion schemes of the Authorities of India, comparable to Atmaanirbhar Bharat and the LPS Guidelines 2022.

“The debt is secured towards a mortgage, encompassing all property of the plant, together with the dam, that are pledged to the monetary establishment offering the mortgage,” a spokesperson of the PDD mentioned.

Stating that Jammu and Kashmir is the one Union Territory throughout the nation the place shoppers are nonetheless supplied electrical energy with out meters, the spokesperson of the Energy Growth Division (PDD) asserted that the areas ‘saturated with sensible meters’ are experiencing considerably diminished losses and improved energy provide.

“Concerted efforts are underway to transform your entire client base of Jammu and Kashmir to the fashionable pay as you go metering methods in order to make sure a greater energy provide”, the spokesperson mentioned whereas rebutting the misinformation being circulated throughout the social media platforms, that includes ladies protesting towards electrical energy meters, said that electrical energy is a commodity, just like different items obtainable out there.

The spokesperson mentioned you will need to acknowledge that electrical energy isn’t a free service; moderately, it incurs prices at each stage of its journey, from technology on the supply to transmission and in the end distribution.

“Usually, shoppers are solely conscious of the distribution company, remaining unaware of the intermediate levels and entities concerned in supplying electrical energy to them. At every juncture of the availability chain, correct measurement of electrical energy is paramount to take care of a supply-demand steadiness, guaranteeing the monetary viability of the sector. Regardless of meticulous measurement all through these levels, it’s value noting that correct measurement and accounting of electrical energy consumption on the shoppers’ finish stays a problem in J&Okay,” he mentioned.

“It’s pertinent to say that in J&Okay, the electrical energy tariff being charged from shoppers stands as one of many lowest throughout the nation”, the spokesperson added.

Putting in a sensible electrical energy meter will help bear the load of taking pictures excessive vitality costs and tackle the basic points plaguing the distribution sector. Sensible meters allow exact billing primarily based on precise utilization, eliminating the shock of unexpectedly excessive payments because of inaccuracies. These instruments can rapidly detect energy outages permitting for a quicker response time to revive energy. Clients can monitor their electrical energy utilization in practically real-time and make adjustments to their consumption patterns resulting in decrease electrical energy payments.

He elaborated that the first victims because of poor metering system are the shoppers themselves, experiencing irregular and poor-quality energy provide. As such, J&Okay has undertaken the sensible meter set up in three phases below PMDP/ RDSS schemes.

The primary section which began within the 12 months 2022 stands accomplished with set up of 1.5 lakh sensible meters in Jammu &Srinagar cities. The second section overlaying 5.50 Lakh sensible meters is below implementation whereas the third section, which contains remaining 14 Lakh sensible meters, has additionally commenced, focused for completion by 2026, thereby engaging in 100% sensible metering in J&Okay.

As regards the pricing/electrical energy tariff charges being charged from shoppers, the mentioned charges are decided and authorized by unbiased Regulatory Commissions and never by the DISCOMs making an allowance for varied components comparable to value of energy buy from producing firms, transmission bills, staffing, and upkeep prices and so forth., to make sure that shoppers are charged pretty. For instance, in J&Okay, the Joint Electrical energy Regulatory Fee (JERC) is accountable for figuring out the electrical energy tariff.

That is evident from the truth that the metering share in J&Okay is distressingly low with solely 51% shoppers metered and as such, being charged on flat-rate foundation. The flat charge payments, primarily based on tough estimates, don’t mirror the precise utilization and are therefore thought of flimsy or unsubstantial even through the time when electro-mechanical meters had been in use. As such, within the current period, the place vitality measurements are digitally completed proper from the producing finish, it’s paramount to make sure correct measurement at shoppers’ finish too.

 Concerning energy availability, there persists a false impression amongst shoppers that J&Okay is an influence surplus Union Territory because of its plentiful water sources, nonetheless, the truth is that J&Okay depends solely on hydro energy vegetation for electrical energy technology, that are topic to limitations because of seasonal dependence.

The hydro energy vegetation generate at their most capability solely throughout 4-5 months of peak water move in rivers, whereas their technology diminishes for the remainder of the 12 months. Quantitatively, out of the present put in technology capability of 3500 MW, 1140 MW is contributed by UT-owned vegetation, the principle ones being 900 MW Baglihar, 110 MW Decrease Jhelum, and 110 MW Higher Sindh, whereas the remaining 2300 MW comes from central sector vegetation comparable to Salal, Dul-Hasti, Uri, and Kishanganga. Throughout winters, energy homes in J&Okay, below each central and state sectors, can solely generate a most of 600 MW towards their rated capability of 3500 MW because of diminished water ranges within the rivers.

Nevertheless, with peak demand reaching as much as 3200 MW throughout winters; it’s evident that J&Okay’s energy demand can’t be solely met by hydroelectric energy vegetation. So the remaining energy requirement throughout winters is met by thermal-based Central Producing Stations (CGS) located outdoors J&Okay.

Furthermore, it’s essential to acknowledge that the Authorities of J&Okay has certainly made important investments in recent times to harness the utmost hydro potential, with 4 mega Hydel Tasks value Rs. 22,207 crore below growth and agreements signed for 4 further initiatives totaling Rs. 29,600 crore. It’s evident that the event of hydro energy vegetation entails large funding. As such, the hydro energy vegetation are developed on a debt-equity sample, the place a considerable quantity is raised within the type of debt from monetary establishments, which should be repaid to them by the sale of energy as soon as the vegetation develop into operational.

The division added that the declare of the protestors with regard to ‘our energy, our water’ is baseless, as shoppers on this context usually are not producers however recipients of electrical energy equipped to them by varied entities concerned within the course of. Whereas water is plentiful in J&Okay, producing electrical energy from it calls for important effort and funding. Moreover, as talked about above, hydro energy alone is inadequate to fulfill the area’s demand.

Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now

Be A part of High quality Journalism

High quality journalism takes loads of time, cash and arduous work to provide and regardless of all of the hardships we nonetheless do it. Our reporters and editors are working additional time in Kashmir and past to cowl what you care about, break huge tales, and expose injustices that may change lives. At this time extra individuals are studying Kashmir Observer than ever, however solely a handful are paying whereas promoting revenues are falling quick.

ACT NOW

CLICK FOR DETAILS