Srinagar, May 1 -- The recent announcement by the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) about heightened power curtailment has caused deep unease in the Valley. While power outages were once considered a seasonal nuisance, this year has been particularly harsh, with outages beginning as early as November 2023 and showing no signs of abating as we move into the warmer months.

At the heart of the issue lies a yawning gap between demand and supply. With a deficit of over 1000 MW of electricity, the region finds itself unable to meet the demand, leaving its residents in the dark for hours on end. The situation is dire, with urban areas facing up to 8 to 12 hours of power cuts and rural areas enduring even longer spells of da...