Shivani Jaiswal, Varanasi-
Electricity supply in Uttar Pradesh has come under severe pressure after multiple power plants were forced to shut down, triggering a widespread power crisis across the state. The situation has worsened further due to the ongoing intense heatwave, which has significantly increased electricity consumption, especially during daytime and peak evening hours. Many districts are reporting frequent power cuts, voltage fluctuations, and unscheduled outages, leaving residents struggling to cope with the harsh weather conditions.

The impact is being widely felt in both urban and rural areas, where daily life has been disrupted. Households are finding it difficult to manage without fans and cooling systems, while hospitals are relying on backup generators to maintain essential services. Small businesses, especially those dependent on continuous power supply, are also facing losses and operational delays. In several industrial zones, production has slowed down due to inconsistent electricity availability.

According to officials, the crisis has emerged due to a combination of reduced generation capacity from shut plants and a sudden spike in demand caused by extreme temperatures. The gap between supply and demand has widened, putting additional strain on the power distribution network. The electricity department has initiated emergency measures, including power purchase from alternate sources, load balancing, and grid optimization to manage the shortfall.

Authorities have assured that efforts are underway to restore normal supply in a phased manner. However, they also cautioned that until generation stabilizes and demand eases, intermittent disruptions may continue in some regions. The administration has urged citizens to use electricity judiciously and avoid unnecessary load during peak hours to help reduce pressure on the system.