Residents across Uttar Pradesh are experiencing severe and prolonged power outages as the state grapples with an intense heatwave that has pushed electricity demand to unprecedented levels. The crisis has led to widespread public outcry, with opposition parties and even legislators from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) highlighting what they describe as a “structural failure” in the state’s power infrastructure.
The demand for electricity has surged significantly due to the extreme temperatures, with the state recording its highest-ever electricity demand this week. On May 22, the peak supply touched 30,357 megawatts, a substantial increase compared to previous years. Officials have attributed the strain on the power grid to the continuous use of air conditioners, coolers, and fans, which are essential for coping with temperatures that have neared or exceeded 45 degrees Celsius in many parts of the state. This surge in demand has led to frequent tripping, low voltage, and transformer failures, particularly impacting urban and rural areas where outages can last from several hours to even days.
The ongoing power crisis has become a significant political issue, with opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, heavily criticizing the state government’s preparedness and infrastructure management. They allege that the government has failed to expand power generation capacity adequately to meet the rising demand. Adding to the pressure on the administration, several BJP legislators have also publicly voiced their concerns. Members of the ruling party have written to the state’s Energy Minister A.K. Sharma, detailing the distress faced by their constituents due to erratic electricity supply and demanding immediate corrective measures. These internal complaints highlight the growing unease within the BJP regarding the handling of the power crisis, especially with state assembly elections on the horizon.
The Vidyut Karmchari Joint Sangharsh Samiti, an organization representing power workers, has pointed to the “vertical restructuring system” implemented in the power corporation and the dismissal of experienced contract workers as contributing factors to the current crisis. They argue that these changes have “devastated the power system” and created a serious problem for consumers, workers, and the department itself. Experts also suggest that the issue extends beyond seasonal demand, citing long-standing gaps in India’s power distribution infrastructure. While electricity generation might be adequate, the network of transformers, feeders, and substations is struggling to cope with the sharp rise in consumption driven by rapid urbanization and increased use of appliances.
In response to the escalating situation, Energy Minister A.K. Sharma has stated that the state government is making “every possible effort” to procure electricity from all available sources and maintain supply. He acknowledged the shortage of electricity in energy exchanges but assured that measures were being taken to address public grievances. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also called for high-level meetings to review the power situation. Meanwhile, two executive engineers from Ghaziabad and Meerut have been suspended as part of a crackdown on officials amidst the crisis.
The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has also issued statements defending its handling of the situation, with officials directing that damaged transformers be replaced on priority and ensuring adequate manpower and materials are available to manage faults and disruptions. The UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad has approached the UP Electricity Regulatory Commission seeking intervention to address the ongoing power supply issues, citing repeated breakdowns and delays in repairs as key aggravators of consumer distress.
The recurring power outages during peak summer conditions, coupled with the political ramifications, underscore the significant challenges Uttar Pradesh faces in ensuring reliable electricity supply and maintaining its infrastructure amidst rising demand and extreme weather events.
The Chenab Times News Desk