Srinagar, Dec. 22 -- While the government pushed reforms such as smart metering, infrastructure upgrades and revenue improvement, developments through the year showed that the path towards energy self-reliance remains long and complex.

Heavy dependence on imported power

By the third week of December, Jammu and Kashmir was importing over 95 percent of its electricity, leaving the region highly vulnerable during peak winter demand. Officials said imports ranged between 2,900 and 3,100 MW during peak hours, and 2,400 to 2,800 MW during other periods.

The actual demand in Kashmir hovered around 2,400 to 2,500 MW, while Jammu's demand ranged between 1,400 and 1,500 MW. Against an availability of about 3,100 to 3,200 MW, the region faced an ...