Electricity has always been seen as the backbone of progress, and for Jammu and Kashmir, it carries a special significance. It represents both a challenge and an opportunity, an untapped promise that, if harnessed wisely, could transform the region’s economic future. Blessed with immense hydropower potential, J&K still grapples with shortages, revenue leakages, and dependence on outside supplies. The conversation on reducing transmission and distribution losses, while unlocking the full capacity of its rivers, is more than a technical concern; it is central to a vision of sustainable growth and economic revitalization.
One of the most pressing concerns is the high level of transmission and distribution losses. These not only weaken the financial stability of the Power Development Department but also undermine public confidence. Electricity that is generated or bought at considerable cost often fails to reach consumers due to technical faults or pilferage. To change this, urgent steps such as smart metering, modern billing systems, and stricter enforcement must be prioritized. Reducing losses will free resources that can be reinvested in strengthening infrastructure, ensuring better service delivery, and restoring trust among the people. At the same time, the hydropower potential of Jammu and Kashmir, estimated at over 20,000 MW, offers a pathway to long-term prosperity. Projects like Baglihar have already shown how large-scale hydro ventures can transform the region’s power profile, yet much remains untapped. Hydropower requires heavy investment in the beginning, but unlike fossil fuels, it provides clean, renewable energy with lower long-term costs. Solar power has grown rapidly due to falling tariffs and must be encouraged as a complementary source. Still, the geography of Kashmir makes hydropower its most reliable anchor for a sustainable energy future, one that can be balanced with solar and wind for diversification. The importance of electricity goes far beyond technical supply; it shapes livelihoods, industry, and fiscal independence. If the region can become an exporter of power to deficit states, it can generate revenue that strengthens its financial health. For this, power generation must go hand in hand with efficiency in distribution and fair but effective tariff structures. Equity must guide tariff rationalization so that vulnerable households are protected, while those who can afford to pay more contribute accordingly. There is also a wider governance debate. While talk of privatization raises concerns about exclusion and rising costs, the real solution may lie in professionalizing rather than privatizing. Public utilities can deliver better results if they are strengthened with managerial reforms, accountability, and transparency. Electricity is too central to people’s lives and the regional economy to be left entirely to profit motives. What is needed is a stronger, more responsible public system that can rise to the challenge. Of course, expanding hydropower comes with its own challenges. Himalayan terrain poses environmental risks, seismic concerns, and issues of displacement. These cannot be overlooked. Any future projects must combine innovation with community participation and strong environmental safeguards. Past experiences, such as Baglihar, provide lessons that can help balance growth with ecological responsibility. Reliable electricity is not just about lights and machines; it underpins the broader developmental journey of Jammu and Kashmir. It enables e-governance and digital access, powers hospitals and schools, strengthens industries, supports tourism, and creates conditions for investment. In many ways, electricity is the thread weaving together the aspirations of modernization, economic resilience, and self-reliance.
The way forward rests on a balanced strategy: sharply reducing transmission losses while steadily accelerating hydropower development. Together, these efforts can ease dependency on external supply, generate new revenue streams, and place Jammu and Kashmir firmly on the path of sustainable prosperity. Energy, more than a utility, is the engine of growth, and for J&K it is the bridge that can connect its potential with its future.