State maintains strong power efficiency with just 15.63% line losses
Sourabh Kumar
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh has emerged as one of the better-performing states in the country in terms of power efficiency, recording significantly low transmission and distribution (T&D) losses compared to several northern states.
According to the latest data shared by the Union Ministry of Power in the Lok Sabha, Himachal Pradesh reported 15.63% total line loss, far below Jammu & Kashmir’s staggering 48.08%, which is currently the highest in the country.
Himachal performs better than neighbouring and larger states
While the national average line loss stands at 17.63%, Himachal Pradesh remains well within the low-loss bracket. In comparison, the count for Punjab is 14.03%, Delhi 15.13%, Haryana 17.96%, Uttar Pradesh 19.02%, Rajasthan 22.85% and Bihar 21.54%.
The sharply contrasting figure for Jammu & Kashmir, where nearly half of the electricity supplied is lost due to theft, weak infrastructure and ageing lines, highlights Himachal’s comparatively strong grid management and distribution system.
National transmission loss levels remain stable
Union Power Minister Virendra Singh informed Parliament that pure transmission-level losses across India remain between 3 and 4%, with regional figures recorded as North 3.15%, West 3.12%, South 3.46%, East 4.24% and North-East 3.89%.
The higher percentage for states like J&K arises when distribution-level losses, primarily due to power theft, outdated local networks and commercial gaps are combined with transmission losses.
Why Himachal stands out
Himachal’s comparatively low losses are attributed to better-maintained high-voltage infrastructure, upgraded feeders and modernised power distribution systems, stronger monitoring of commercial losses and ongoing expansion of smart metering in urban pockets.
With the Union Government enhancing the SCADA and energy management technologies across states, Himachal Pradesh is expected to maintain its performance and further reduce technical losses in coming years.
