Several parts of Mumbai witnessed extended power outages over the past week as rising temperatures, increasing electricity consumption and ageing infrastructure placed additional pressure on the city’s power distribution network.
Residents across areas including Dadar, Mahim, Matunga, Wadala, Worli, Prabhadevi, Kandivali, Goregaon, Powai, Marol and Vile Parle reported electricity disruptions ranging from 30 minutes to nearly 10 hours.
The outages occurred during a period of high humidity levels between 64 per cent and 70 per cent, leaving residents struggling with heat, non-functional elevators and disrupted daily routines. In several residential buildings, lifts stopped operating, creating difficulties for senior citizens and residents living on higher floors.
According to power officials, ageing underground cables, increased use of multiple air-conditioners in households and delays in repair work linked to ongoing road concretisation projects have contributed to the worsening situation. Authorities also cited simultaneous complaints across multiple areas and manpower shortages as reasons for slower response times.
A senior official from Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport stated that the city’s electricity infrastructure is facing pressure from sudden spikes in demand. The official said, “Homes have installed multiple air-conditioning units working around the clock. We are not prepared for this added load.”
Residents affected by the outages described financial losses and severe inconvenience. Some housing societies have begun installing inverter systems and emergency power backups, while others are considering diesel generators to maintain essential services during prolonged disruptions.
Electricity supply in Mumbai is managed by multiple providers, including BEST in the south and central parts of the city, while Tata Power and Adani Electricity primarily serve suburban areas.
Source: Mid-day
