Anantnag, Dec 01 (KNO): The residents of Shirpora in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district have on Monday alleged of persistent low-voltage electricity supply in the locality.
The locals alleged that the low power voltage situation has worsened over the past few years despite the installation of smart meters.
Locals of the area told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the area is receiving power supply from an outdated 250 KVA transformer that was installed decades back.
“Since then, the number of households has multiplied several fold. The load has increased enormously over the years, but the transformer remains the same,” said a local Fayaz Ahmad.
The residents further informed that a new transformer was installed in the area months ago under the Power Development Department’s augmentation plan.
“However, despite repeated pleas, it has not yet been commissioned—forcing people to rely on the outdated and overloaded unit,” they said.
The locals also said that they were expecting a relief from the new transformer. “It has not been made functional so far. Every evening, voltage drops to a level that even LED bulbs barely light up.” adding that many households are now using traditional lantern to manage basic lighting needs.
“The authorities talk about smart billing and efficient power use, but the reality is that we cannot even run a heater with the volume of voltage being provided to us,“ said Manzoor Ahmad, a shopkeeper from the locality.
The locals also complained that the low voltage has damaged several electrical appliances.
The residents have appealed to the Power Development Department to commission the installed transformer and upgrade the supply system before the commencement of harsh winters—(KNO)