Power Crisis: MLA Rajeshwar Singh Flags Repeated Failures, Seeks Comprehensive Reform Plan
The same plan if replicated across the state, could prove to be a game changer in Uttar Pradesh
Amid rising temperatures and record-breaking power demand, electricity supply issues in Lucknow have once again come under sharp scrutiny, with Sarojini Nagar MLA Dr. Rajeshwar Singh urging the Uttar Pradesh government to initiate a comprehensive and time-bound reform plan to address persistent distribution failures.
In a detailed communication to the Energy Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Singh highlighted that frequent power outages, low voltage, transformer overloading, feeder tripping, underground cable faults, and delays in grievance redressal have severely impacted residents across several parts of the city.
Recurring Summer Crisis
The MLA emphasized that the problem is not new but a recurring phenomenon observed every summer. “These issues were reported last year as well, yet a permanent solution remains elusive,” he noted, calling for a detailed analysis of both past and ongoing complaints.
Several areas under Sarojini Nagar constituency—including regions fed by Uttariya, BBAU, Nadarganj, Gehru, and Bani powerhouses—are among the worst affected, facing prolonged outages and repeated infrastructure failures.
Demand Surge Adding Pressure
The concerns come at a time when electricity demand is soaring nationwide due to heatwave conditions. India’s peak power demand has already touched around 265 GW and is expected to rise further, while Uttar Pradesh has reported demand exceeding 27,000 MW.
Dr. Singh pointed out that the stress on Lucknow’s power infrastructure is not merely due to supply shortages but also due to inadequate distribution capacity and outdated load estimation systems. Rapid urbanisation, increasing air-conditioning usage, and rising commercial demand have significantly altered consumption patterns.
Systemic Gaps Identified
The letter underscores critical systemic issues, including:
- Weak local distribution networks
- Poor infrastructure reliability
- Lack of proactive maintenance
- Absence of real-time monitoring and planning
He further noted that transformers frequently fail during peak load conditions, feeders trip repeatedly, and faults often reoccur even after repairs.
Call for Accountability and Structural Reforms
Seeking urgent intervention, Dr. Singh has recommended a series of administrative and technical reforms. These include conducting a comprehensive review of complaints and outage data, fixing accountability for repeated failures, and deploying senior-level quick response teams during crisis periods.
He also stressed the need for complaint-wise mapping to identify fault-prone areas and ensure targeted infrastructure upgrades.
Focus on Modernisation and Technology
Among the key measures suggested are:
- Installation of higher-capacity transformers
- Feeder balancing and load redistribution
- GIS-based fault mapping and modern detection systems
- AI-driven load forecasting and real-time monitoring
Additionally, the proposal includes setting up grievance desks at substations, ensuring real-time updates to consumers via SMS and WhatsApp, and maintaining adequate emergency infrastructure such as spare transformers and repair units.
Learning from Global Models
In an annexure, the MLA cited global best practices that could be adapted for Lucknow. These include
- California’s “Flex Alert” demand management model, FLISR system for automated fault restoration
- Delhi’s digital twin monitoring framework
- Singapore’s district cooling systems for energy efficiency
Beyond Supply: A Holistic Approach Needed
Dr. Singh emphasized that the solution lies not just in increasing power supply but in adopting a holistic approach encompassing demand management, infrastructure modernisation, automation, and public participation.
He also called for stricter enforcement against power theft, promotion of rooftop solar and energy-efficient appliances, and linking new project approvals to power infrastructure capacity.
Urgent Action Sought
Highlighting the urgency, the MLA urged the Energy Minister to direct the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) to prepare a detailed, data-driven, and time-bound action plan to ensure immediate relief to citizens and build a reliable power distribution system for the future.
