Jammu and Kashmir faced a 164-MW gap between peak power demand and available supply during the current financial year up to July 2026, with demand reaching 3,063 MW against availability of 2,899 MW. The figures were provided by the Power Development Department in response to a question raised by MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma in the Legislative Assembly.

The government said the peak availability deficit was managed through short-term power arrangements. Peak demand across the Union Territory was met on May 27, 2026, at 7 am. Jammu recorded peak demand of 1,623 MW on July 16 at 6 pm, while Kashmir reached 1,845 MW on May 27 at 7 am.

The department said it was implementing a Load Curtailment Programme based on feeder-level losses. Feeders with losses below 15 per cent would face no curtailment, those with losses between 15 and 40 per cent would face three hours of curtailment, and feeders with losses above 40 per cent would face six hours.

Areas reporting frequent interruptions, low voltage or inadequate supply were being identified and monitored by field officers. The assessment was based on feeder performance, loading conditions, consumer complaints and field reports, with particular attention during periods of peak summer and winter demand and in remote and hilly areas.

Works under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) were being implemented to strengthen the distribution network. They include replacing worn-out conductors with AB cables, augmenting undersized conductors and replacing or upgrading overloaded distribution transformers. RDSS and Union Territory Capex works are targeted for completion by March 2028, alongside new receiving stations, strengthened HT and LT networks and phased grid substation upgrades.

In 2025-26, 1,795 transmission and distribution works were sanctioned, including 947 ongoing and 848 new projects, with 751 completed. In 2026-27, 1,831 works have been sanctioned, comprising 1,138 ongoing and 693 new projects, while 432 have been completed so far.