The rising temperature with frequent power outages, particularly on the outskirts of the city, is inflaming Amdavadis’ summer woes.
In the last two to three weeks, areas such as Shela, South Bopal, Bopal, Ghuma, Santej, and Ognaj in Ahmedabad and Raysan in Gandhinagar have experienced frequent power outages. Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) provides power to these locations.
The constant power cuts are particularly difficult for families with young children and the elderly. It also affects those Working From Home (WFH) as the lack of electricity impacts internet connection.
Deval Panchal, a resident of Sakar Country society in Shela said they have been experiencing regular unscheduled power cuts during the day for the last two to three weeks.
Areas like South Bopal, Bopal, Shela and others, which have several upcoming and existing housing complexes have also reported frequent power cuts. Raysan in Gandhinagar, which adjoins the knowledge corridor that hosts institutes like GNLU, PDPU and others, is an upcoming residential real estate market with frequent power cuts.
“The UGVCL knows that power usage surges during summer then why can’t they plan to deal with the rise in demand in advance and increase the power station’s capacity to handle the overload?” questions Rathore.
NL Kambar, Deputy Engineer of UGVCL in Shela admitted that some areas served by the company faced power cuts. “It is because of overload as power usage rises due to the extreme heat,” said Kambar.
Explaining further, he said the excess use of air-conditioners is a major factor that increases electricity usage. “All the households use electricity at the same time. We have sent an application to the headquarters for a new power station based on the request from residents of nearby areas like Talav,” he said.
UGVCL is aware that power consumption increases during the summer, but it does not plan ahead of time to increase the power station’s capacity to handle the overload.