- 70 MW rooftop solar power integrated into grid
- 500+ feeders upgraded under RDSS for better supply
- Smart meters bring transparency, allow real time usage
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Kashmir is steadily moving towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, with nearly 19,500 households adopting rooftop solar systems, significantly reducing electricity bills and easing pressure on the power distribution network.
The transition, spearheaded by Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, marks a major shift in how energy is produced and consumed across the Valley.
At the forefront of this transformation is Er. Nisar Ahmad Lone, In-Charge Chief Engineer (Distribution), KPDCL, who says the response from consumers has been both encouraging and transformative.
In an exclusive Interview with Kashmir Horizon’s Senior Reporter Irfan Yattoo, CE KPDCL Er Lone said they had initially set a target of 17,000 rooftop solar connections by March 2026, which has already been achieved. As of now, installations have reached around 19,500, reflecting growing awareness and acceptance among people,” he said.
He said that the increasing adoption of solar energy is largely driven by its direct financial benefits. With rising electricity consumption, especially during summer months, households are turning to solar systems to cut costs.
“Consumers can choose systems ranging from 1 kW to 5 kW based on their needs. For instance, a household with a monthly bill of around ₹3,000 can opt for a 5 kW system, which can substantially reduce or even eliminate electricity bills during peak generation periods,” he explained.
Er. Lone stressed that the process for installing rooftop solar systems has been deliberately simplified to encourage participation. Consumers can apply through an online portal, select vendors of their choice, and proceed without any rigid restrictions.
“We have ensured transparency and ease of access. The idea is to empower consumers while promoting clean energy adoption,” he said.
Beyond individual savings, the solarization drive is also playing a crucial role in strengthening the overall power infrastructure.
According to CE KPDCL, nearly 70 MW of electricity is currently being generated through rooftop solar systems and fed back into the grid.
“This is a significant contribution. It reduces load on the conventional power system and improves supply stability, especially in areas with higher solar penetration,” he said.
KPDCL has now set an ambitious target of reaching 36,000 rooftop solar installations by July 2026. To achieve this, the corporation has intensified awareness campaigns across both urban and rural areas.
“The response from remote villages has been particularly encouraging. People are realizing the long-term benefits of solar energy, not just in terms of cost savings but also environmental sustainability,” Er. Lone said.
He pointed out that Kashmir’s power demand fluctuates significantly across seasons, posing unique challenges for the distribution system.
“During winters, demand peaks at around 1,600 MW, while in summers it is approximately 1,200 MW. Local generation, however, remains limited, creating a gap that needs to be managed through imports and efficient distribution,” he said.
Although solar generation is higher in summer, it helps reduce the overall burden on the grid, thereby improving system efficiency.
Er. Lone also highlighted the role of load management in ensuring equitable power distribution. The Load Curtailment Programme, he explained, is based on the Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) loss profile of feeders. Areas with lower losses receive better power supply, while higher-loss areas face longer curtailments.
“Feeders with losses between 0–20 percent receive almost uninterrupted power, while those with higher losses may experience up to six hours of curtailment. This approach promotes accountability and encourages responsible usage,” he said.
A key pillar of KPDCL’s reform strategy is the rollout of smart metering. Out of approximately 10.6 lakh domestic consumers, around 3 lakh smart meters were installed in the first phase. In the ongoing second phase, 7 lakh meters are being installed, of which nearly 4 lakh have already been completed.
“Smart meters bring transparency and allow consumers to monitor their usage in real time. They also help reduce losses and improve billing efficiency,” Er. Lone noted.
Addressing concerns regarding billing, he said the issues largely stem from the transition phase from conventional postpaid systems to prepaid smart metering.
“Once consumers are fully integrated into the prepaid system, these concerns will be resolved. We have also introduced mobile applications like Bill Sahuliyat and RDSS Smart BS Plus to make bill payments and monitoring easier,” he said, adding that around 4 lakh consumers have registered on these platforms, with 1.5 lakh fully integrated so far.
On infrastructure development, Er. Lone said significant progress has been made under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
“We have completed cabling work on more than 500 feeders, and work on the remaining feeders is progressing as per plan. These upgrades are essential for improving reliability and reducing technical losses,” he said.
He also shed light on the region’s power generation scenario, noting that local generation during peak summer stands at around 100–110 MW, which drops further in winters when demand rises sharply.
“This mismatch between demand and supply underscores the importance of initiatives like solarization and infrastructure modernization,” he added.
Er. Lone further said that safety remains a top priority for KPDCL. The corporation follows strict Standard Operating Procedures during all operations, particularly during shutdowns and maintenance work.
“Regular training programmes are conducted for field staff, and we are continuously upgrading safety equipment to minimize risks,” he said.
Financial sustainability is another critical focus area for the corporation. KPDCL has set a revenue target of ₹3,550 crore for the current financial year, up from ₹3,000 crore last year.
“Achieving this target depends on reducing losses, improving billing efficiency, and ensuring timely payments from consumers,” Er. Lone said.
He also emphasized the importance of public cooperation in achieving long-term energy goals.
“We urge consumers to use electricity judiciously, avoid illegal connections, and pay their bills on time. Adoption of solar energy and support for smart metering initiatives will go a long way in building a sustainable and efficient power system,” he added.
