Heavy Snowfall, Gusty Winds disrupt Power Supply across Kashmir; KPDCL Restores 80% Network

SRINAGAR : In anticipation to snowfall prediction, KPDCL had geared up the preparedness to tackle the snow fall aftermath on the electric infrastructure especially in hilly terrains and rural areas.
According to the official statement by KPDCL, severe gusty wind, incessant rainfall and heavy snowfall across various parts of the Kashmir Division, the power demand/load of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) witnessed an unprecedented decline and it dropped to the lowest level of 93 MW at around 10:00 PM, as against the normal average running load of approximately 1650 MW. The network was live until 10:00 PM of intervening night of 22th and 23th of January-2026 when the load abruptly crashed due to faults/ damage of various 33kV / 11kV feeders owing to high speed gusty winds. The roof tops of houses were blown off and smashed on to 33kV/11KV line causing damage to electrical line and adding extra difficulty in clearing the smashed roof structures hanging on lines.
At the sub-transmission level, 103 out of 135 numbers of 33 kV lines were down/under fault, reflecting nearly 24% active network at this level. Similarly, at the distribution level, 1275 out of 1302 numbers of 11 kV feeders were down/under fault till morning.
Following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), wee morning restoration had already started and is being monitored at all levels led by Managing Director/Chief Engineer and pursued by Superintending Engineers/Executive Engineers. The restoration picked up pace and by 6.00 PM, almost 80% network was charged back and load of 1050 MW was recorded by SLDC with prioritizing of essential and vital installations.
The heavy snowfall and high-speed winds have badly affected the electrical infrastructure particularly in Shopian, Kulgam, Baramulla and Budgam. Around 4.5Ft snow in high terrains of these areas is affecting the restoration work also as vehicular movement is severely impaired. The major affected areas include
DH pora , Kund , Malwan and branel-Lammar of Kulgam district; Sedow , Reshnagri, Herpora ,Kaprain and Kuch dora of Shopian district; Khanshab , Beerwa, Doodhpathri and Yousmarg of Budgam district.
The official statement further said that the damage of Transmission tower at Sheeri in Delina-LJHP 132 kV Transmission line has also put hindrance in restoration of power supply , JKPTCL (Kashmir) is on job of restoring the network by erecting ERS ( Emergency Restoration System).
KPDCL is committed to restore the Power supply to all areas by the dusk of day and men and machinery has already been mobilized to the effected areas who are working on War footing basis for earliest restoration of power supply services to valley.