Being election season, people assumed there would be a power cut-free summer. But residents in many localities in Bengaluru still complain of intermittent power supply despite repeated assurances from the State government that the power situation is stable.
Bhagya, a resident of Banashankari, said the power cuts had only increased in the last few days, contrary to claims of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom).
A resident of Malleswaram added that electricity supply going off was not a one-time phenomenon. “On Wednesday, there were power cuts thrice without any warning. It has become unpredictable and difficult for us to plan around,” said Tara V.
The problem is not limited to pockets in the city.
Bescom's social media handle was flooded with complaints of disruption in power supply. "1912 No response since 3 hrs, trying to lodge a complaint," said one. Another complaint said: "Powercut in Jayanagar 1st block 10th A,B,C,D road. Power cut happening frequently."
Power cuts were reported from south Bengaluru, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Domlur and Koramangala, among various places.
Bescom officials, however, maintained that power cuts were the result of ‘localised problems’ and that the State has enough power.
“The peak demand last year was 10,242 MW. This year, the record peak demand has been 10,777 MW in March. The overall availability has been around 10,200 MW. As of now, the generation is enough for the existing demand,” the official said, adding that there was no load shifting to handle peak demand either.
