Power situation hits all-time low in Mohali

Nitin Jain
Posted: Aug 09, 2009

Mohali Post the Punjab Assembly bypolls, the power situation has once again plunged to an all time low since Friday with daily power cuts lasting upto 14 hours besides frequent tripping and voltage fluctuations.
Not only are domestic, commercial and agriculture sector consumers being harassed but also the industry is reeling under an acute shortage with the 48-hour compulsory weekly off crippling their operations.

Already facing power cuts ranging between 6-8 hours daily, the residents of Mohali and Kharar had to wake up with the power failure starting as early as 5.30 am on Friday and Saturday. Till evening, power supply had remained suspended for almost 10 hours.

When the power supply resumes, for a few hours during the day, it is also marred by frequent tripping and voltage fluctuation.

“We are helpless,” was the reply of local officials of the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB), who claimed to have received a revised and increased power cut schedule.

With humid weather conditions prevailing and no rains in sight, the “powerless” industrialists, domestic and commercial consumers are left in the lurch. Electricity shortage has also affected water supply and thrown normal life out of gear.

The industrialists of Punjab, meanwhile, who are already up in arms against the exemptions given to the industry in neighbouring states, have threatened a mass exodus to other states.

“The smooth power supply was just a poll bonanza,” rued industrialist H S Billa, accusing the government of ruining the state’s industry.

Consumer rights’ activist K K Sharma also asked the government to declare a “Power Emergency” in Punjab, wherein consumers should be freed of monthly rentals and other charges for failing to provide adequate power supply.

Besides the scheduled power cuts, the frequent technical snags in the system also add to public woes.