Power cuts persist despite winter
11 Jan 2009
Amit Sharma, TNN

MOHALI: Until now, power cuts were synonymous with summers. Even though winter has arrived, the situation has not improved a bit here. Power usage normally declines substantially in winters, but this year, authorities claim that power crunch continues to persist, leading to long power cuts.

At a time when the government is making tall claims about bringing the city on the international map by investing in development projects, governments efforts to bring electricity to the life of city residents have apparently proved futile, sources said.

It is no news that residents face at least six hours of unscheduled power cuts daily nor are they notified prior to the electricity cuts. Adding to their woes is the unregulated water supply, as electricity is essential to run the motors.

The situation has worsened to such an extent that residents are facing the problem of power fluctuations also these days. Consequently, residents are forced to shut their electronic equipment which get damaged due to voltage fluctuations.

Komal Deep Kaur, a resident of Sector 70, Mohali, said, We switch off our television set at the time of low voltage fearing that the fluctuation may damage the set.

Similarly, industrial units were also facing unscheduled power cuts. Traders said that sometimes power cuts last 48 hours which adversely affect their work.

However, officials of Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) said orders for power cuts were received from Patiala and they could not do much. Power cuts were being imposed as demand had gone up again, they added.

Worst hit are the industries in Mohali who face acute power cuts of around 48 hours. Said Harinder Pal Singh, chairman, Mohali Industrial Association, The situation is getting worse. It’s a case of government apathy as they show no concern for the so-called IT city. The industrial units have to suffer huge losses due to these power cuts.

Annoyed with the regular unscheduled power cuts, PS Virdi, president, Consumer Protection Forum, Mohali said the government should either provide sufficient electricity to the residents or the free electricity given to farmers of the state should be stopped.