“Every winter, Kashmir suffers from serious and worsening long power cuts as temperatures drop. Electricity is a vital need for heating and comfort, but the power situation consistently deteriorates instead of improving.”
Every winter, Kashmir faces the same serious problem—long and repeated power cuts. As the temperature drops and people struggle to keep warm, electricity becomes the most important need in every home. But instead of getting better every year, the power situation seems to get worse. In metered areas, people were promised better and more regular power supply in exchange for higher bills and controlled usage. Many families agreed, believing that paying more would bring stable electricity. But this winter again, metered localities are facing long and unpredictable power cuts. In some places, people get only a few hours of electricity at a time. This has created anger and disappointment. Consumers feel cheated because they followed all rules, used energy-saving appliances, reduced wastage, yet the power cuts continue. When people see no improvement despite paying higher tariffs, their trust in the system decreases. On the other hand, non-metered areas have their own set of issues. These areas already face longer curtailment because the government says consumption is higher and harder to control. But people living there have a different story. They say the real problem is not them—it’s the old and weak infrastructure. Many villages have transformers that cannot handle winter load, wires that are decades old and high losses because the system has not been upgraded. In such areas, electricity is also essential for heating homes, running small businesses and even for basic household work. Long power cuts put families under more stress and affect their livelihoods. The truth is, the entire power crisis in winter is not just because of high usage. It is mainly because the system has not been strengthened over the years. Kashmir’s electricity demand during winter keeps increasing, but supply and infrastructure have not kept pace.
“Kashmir’s significant hydropower potential is underutilized for local needs. Addressing the power crisis requires honest communication with the public about supply/demand and reasons for cuts, and establishing fairness in policy. Specifically, metered consumers shouldn’t face cuts after paying bills, and non-metered areas shouldn’t be penalized for weak infrastructure. The author concludes that with proper planning, investment, and fairness, the situation can improve, and action is needed now to ensure reliable electricity, especially during winter.”
Instead of improving the system, authorities rely on load shedding every winter as a temporary solution. This does not solve anything. It only pushes people into more discomfort and frustration. To fix this problem, Kashmir needs long-term and serious planning. The government must upgrade transformers, strengthen transmission lines, and reduce technical losses. Smart meters should be installed everywhere to make power distribution fair and transparent. At the same time, the region must increase its own power generation. Kashmir has huge hydropower potential, but much of it is not used for local needs. Another important step is honest communication. People deserve clear information about how much power is available, how much is required, and why cuts are happening. Also, fairness must be the base of any policy. Metered consumers should not suffer after fulfilling their responsibilities. Non-metered areas should not be punished because of weak infrastructure. Winter in Kashmir will always be tough. But the power crisis does not have to be a permanent part of life. With proper planning, investment, and fairness, the situation can improve. Kashmir’s people deserve reliable electricity, especially when they need it the most. The time for excuses is over—the time for action is now.
