Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir continues to have the highest transmission and distribution (T and D) losses in the country, Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Citing the latest figures for 2023–24, the minister said the UT reported T and D losses of 48.08 percent, significantly higher than the national average of 17.63 percent. He noted that J and K’s performance remains the poorest among all States and Union Territories.

According to a review by the Central Electricity Authority, the northern region, including J and K, recorded transmission losses of around 3.15 percent. However, the gap widens considerably when overall T and D losses are assessed, largely due to technical shortcomings, power theft, ageing infrastructure and distribution bottlenecks.

The government said efforts are underway to reduce losses through network expansion, system modernization, SCADA and EMS deployment, higher-voltage infrastructure and improved operational practices.

Naik also informed the House that every inhabited village in the country, including those in J and K, has already been electrified under DDUGJY and SAUBHAGYA, both of which have now been closed.

Under the ongoing Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the Centre continues to support States and UTs, including Jammu and Kashmir, in strengthening distribution networks and electrifying remaining households wherever possible.

Responding to a query on land acquisition for transmission lines, the government clarified that land remains with the original owner and compensation, if required, is provided as per State guidelines.