JK Guv Vohra expresses concern over dip in power revenue

J&K Governor NN Vohra has expressed serious concern over the huge gap in the cost of power purchased from various sources and the amount of electricity dues recovered, at a time when the power purchase bill is expected to touch Rs 7,000 crore.
The Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (PDD) has collected Rs 1,294 crore as revenue from its consumers.
"In the first nine months of 2015-16, the Power Development Department has been able to realise revenue of Rs 1,294.36 crore only.
"The projected cumulative liability on account of power purchased is expected to go up to about Rs 7,000 crore by March 31 this year as against Rs 5,037.49 crore on March 31, 2015," an official spokesman said.

Vohra was informed that the peak deficit was about 22 per cent of the peak demand of 2,740 MW, while energy deficit has come down to about 21 per cent of 18,560 million units.
Officials further informed the Governor about the state government's 'in principle' consent for participating in the Ujjwal DISCOM Assistance Yojna (UDAY), launched by the Union Ministry of Power.

"Under this scheme, the state government is likely to be given a special dispensation to borrow Rs 2,140 crore to clear some of the provisional liabilities ending September, 2015," the spokesman said.
The Governor expressed concern over the huge gap between the power revenue and dues, and directed the officials to provide metered connections to minimise power thefts and ensure proper billing of the power consumed.

Vohra was informed that a number of projects have been undertaken to augment the capacity of the transmission system to enable supply of additional power during peak load, especially during winters.
"These include two 630 MVA, 400/220 KV Grid substations at New Wanpoh in Kashmir and another at Samba. The Inter-state transmission system is also being strengthened by Jallandhar- Samba-Amargarh (Sopore) 400 KV Double Circuit Line along Mughal Road," the spokesman said.
With the implementation of the project, 400 KV state ring will become a reality and improve reliability of supply in both Jammu and Kashmir regions, he said.