As scorching temperatures continue to simmer large swathes of Uttar Pradesh, a widespread power crisis has engulfed the state, leaving residents in distress due to frequent power disruptions. The electricity distribution system, spanning from urban to rural areas, has been overburdened by overloading, leading to deterioration of the situation.
The power shortage has resulted in significant inconvenience to consumers, with frequent tripping and erratic power supply becoming a daily struggle.
According to a power official, “The unprecedented surge in power demand has put immense pressure on the system, leading to frequent tripping and disruptions in the supply chain.”
This surge has disproportionately affected rural areas, where electricity is available for only six to eight hours, while urban areas experience relatively better power supply, ranging from 15 to 20 hours.
Residents in Sultanpur, Amethi, Barabanki, Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Ambedkar Nagar, Sitapur, Rae Bareli, Prayagraj and Ayodhya have been particularly affected by the power crisis. In Amethi, a resident expressed frustration, saying, “We are facing daily hardships due to the erratic power supply. It is affecting our daily routines and productivity.”
The power supply schedule in several districts has been severely disrupted. Amethi is currently getting power supply for only 15 to 18 hours, while the rural areas of Bahraich receive power for just 12 hours. In Barabanki, more than 500 villages receive electricity for only six to eight hours, while the city faces power cuts lasting three to four hours. Sitapur faced undeclared power cuts, tripping and low voltage, prompting a resident to comment, “We are left in the dark, literally and figuratively. The situation is unbearable.”
In response to the power crisis, a senior power official stated, “The increased power demand has put immense strain on the distribution system, leading to frequent faults and overloading.”
The average power supply across the Gorakhpur division stands at approximately 18-19 hours, with specific areas experiencing variations. Ayodhya, however, witnessed a slight improvement in power supply following the intervention of the chief minister, with the city now receiving electricity for more than 23 hours and rural areas getting power supply for around 16 hours.
Concerns over overloaded transformers and the failure to promptly replace them have been raised by residents. In several regions, including Bareilly and Budaun, industrial sectors are grappling with power cuts lasting two to three hours, affecting productivity and causing financial losses.
Expressing his concerns, a resident of Bareilly remarked, “The power cuts are crippling businesses. It is difficult to operate machinery and maintain a smooth workflow.”
The power authorities acknowledge the challenges and are working to address them. BM Sharma, Director (Technical) at Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam, clarified, “There is no shortage of power in the region. Deviations from the schedule are primarily due to breakdowns and faults. We are making efforts to meet the increased demand and alleviate the power crisis.”
With the power crisis continuing to impact the lives of millions in Uttar Pradesh, authorities are urged to expedite their efforts to stabilise the distribution system and ensure uninterrupted power supply to residents across the state.