MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The spokesperson for the Electricity Department of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government said that electricity consumption across the region has surged to unprecedented levels, putting severe pressure on the power infrastructure.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the department spokesperson stated that the total electricity consumption, which normally remains around 350 MW during winter and summer, has reached 570 MW this summer, marking a 40 per cent increase.
This extraordinary rise has destabilised the electricity distribution network. From May to October, a total of 5,056 transformers burned out across AJK due to overloads.
These were repaired and reinstalled after necessary maintenance. Additionally, several feeders had to be upgraded to manage the increased load, for which the AJK government allocated Rs 1.6 billion.
With the winter season underway, the department has prepared an additional estimate of Rs 400 million to promptly restore the power system in the Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions to ensure uninterrupted supply during colder months.
The spokesperson said the major causes behind the 40 per cent surge include excessive use of air conditioners, widespread use of electric heaters for cooking, and unnecessary lighting by domestic consumers.
Despite repeated appeals to conserve electricity, consumption has continued to rise, further straining the system.
The overloaded network has led to frequent transformer failures, feeder faults, and heavy pressure on grid stations, forcing DISCOS to carry out load shedding.
The spokesperson added that despite a comparatively low tariff, the rate of bill submission has not improved, nor has electricity theft decreased. “Both factors are worsening the department’s challenges,” the statement read.
The spokesperson further said that this year, the Azad Kashmir government has allocated Rs 1.6 billion to restore the power system.
The spokesperson appealed to the public to cooperate with the department as responsible citizens in eliminating illegal and excessive use of electricity, paying bills on time, and cooperating in preventing power theft.
Citizens were encouraged to contact their respective complaint offices in case of any issue.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of Energy and Water Resources has directed all Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and field staff to remain available 24/7, either in person or via phone, to address electricity-related matters.
