Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 8: Jammu and Kashmir has an estimated hydropower potential of 18,000 MW, of which 14,867 MW has been identified so far. However, only 3,540.15 MW—around 23.81 per cent of the identified potential—has been harnessed to date, according to the Economic Survey Report 2025-26 tabled by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the floor of the Assembly. Of the total installed hydropower capacity, 1,197.40 MW falls under the State sector, 2,250 MW under the Central sector, and 92.75 MW has been developed through the Independent Power Producer (IPP) mode. At present, 31 hydropower projects are operational across the Union Territory.
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) operates six projects with a combined capacity of 2,250 MW, while the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) manages 13 projects with an installed capacity of 1,197.40 MW. Independent Power Producers, including JKSPDC and JAKEDA, operate 12 projects with a total capacity of 92.75 MW.
Up to November 2025, the government has established transmission and distribution infrastructure with a capacity of 34,839.06 MVA and an electric line network spanning 1,76,601.29 circuit kilometres. The transmission and distribution capacity has increased by 44 per cent since 2020, reflecting sustained investment in power infrastructure.
The government aims to ensure a reliable, safe, and affordable 24×7 power supply by optimising generation and strengthening transmission and distribution systems. Officials said the enhanced infrastructure will not only meet local demand but also enable the export of surplus power to generate additional revenue.
Jammu and Kashmir is also in the process of significantly expanding its hydropower capacity through four major projects with a combined capacity of 3,014 MW. These include the 1,000 MW Pakal Dul project, 850 MW Ratle-II Hydroelectric Project, 624 MW Kiru, and 540 MW Kwar. All four projects are On the recommendation of the J&K government, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has approved a project to provide 200 free units of electricity per month to 2.21 lakh Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Electricity consumption in the region has risen steadily, with per capita consumption recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.15 per cent over the past nine years, increasing from 1,171 kWh to 1,488 kWh. Total electricity consumption during the same period grew from 15,225 million units to 20,830 million units, in line with rising demand.
As of November 2025, around 24.59 lakh electricity connections are being supplied power across various consumer categories in Jammu and Kashmir.
Progress has also been reported in the rollout of smart metering. Under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP), 6.46 lakh smart meters have been installed against a revised target of 6.86 lakh. Additionally, under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), 5.25 lakh smart meters have been installed against a target of 14.07 lakh as of January 14, 2026.
The renewable energy sector is gaining momentum, particularly in solar power and small hydropower projects. The Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) has allotted 56 Mini Hydel Projects with an aggregate capacity of 147 MW under the IPP mode, of which seven projects with a cumulative capacity of 35.25 MW have been commissioned.
Under the PM Surya Ghar Bijli scheme, 7,125 government buildings have been solarised against a target of 22,494, while 16,799 households have been solarised against a target of 83,550. These initiatives have added 131 MW to the region’s renewable energy capacity.
Meanwhile, on the recommendation of the J&K government, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has approved a project to provide 200 free units of electricity per month to 2.21 lakh Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana through the Utility-Led Aggregation model. Implementation of the project is set to begin shortly. |
