UP reels under power cuts, Northern Grid on tenterhooks

Lucknow, Apr 16 (UNI) Power cuts ranging between 12 and 16 hours daily, triggered by continuously widening gap between electric demand and supply has left Uttar Pradesh in a lurch.

According to UP Power Corporation sources, as against the daily requirement of 7,000 MW of power, the electirc supply comprising state's own generation of 1900 MW and import from the Northern Grid of another 3000 MW has still meant a gap of over 2,000 MW.

The continuance of the demand-supply gap has led to power cuts ranging between 12 and 16 hours across the state, sparking public outrage against the worsening scenario in the scorching summer, sources added.

Overdrawing electricity from the Northern Grid has also kept the system on the tenterhooks, following which the Regional Despatch Centre has cautioned the UP Power Corporation against overdrawing power, sources said.

The deteriorating power scenario has also impacted the water supply status in the state especially hampering irrigation work in rural areas.

UNI ARS KN RL RN1720