Patna: Power outages and frequent tripping disrupted electricity supply across several parts of Patna and nearby areas over the past week as rising temperatures led to a sharp increase in electricity consumption.
Data from the Patna Electric Supply Undertaking (PESU) showed that fuse call complaints increased by more than 50% between May 14 and 20, with residents reporting repeated disruptions during peak summer conditions.
The rise in outages comes amid temperatures hovering around 38°C along with high humidity, increasing dependence on air-conditioners, coolers and fans.
Fuse call complaints rise by 52%
According to PESU data, its 72 fuse call centres received 1,051 complaints on May 14. The number rose steadily over the following days and reached 1,605 complaints on May 20, marking an increase of nearly 53% within a week.
Officials attributed the rise primarily to the sudden jump in electricity load caused by increased use of cooling appliances during the heatwave.
Electricity demand jumps by 195 MW in one week
PESU officials said the maximum electricity load in the region increased from 632 MW on May 14 to 827 MW on May 20, reflecting a rise of 195 MW in just seven days.
The highest daily load figures recorded during the week were:
- May 14 – 632 MW
- May 15 – 679 MW
- May 16 – 755 MW
- May 17 – 814 MW
- May 18 – 805 MW
- May 19– 808 MW
- May 20 – 827 MW
Repeated tripping reported in several localities
Residents in multiple neighbourhoods complained of repeated tripping and prolonged outages, particularly during afternoon and evening hours when electricity demand peaked.
Consumers said the interruptions made it difficult to cope with the intense heat and humidity, especially in areas dependent on air-cooling systems for relief.
Daily fuse call figures
The number of fuse call complaints recorded by PESU during the week were:
- May 14 – 1,051
- May 15 – 1,157
- May 16 – 1,248
- May 17 – 1,447
- May 18 – 1,451
- May 19 – 1,347
- May 20 – 1,605
Officials are monitoring the rising load and working to manage supply disruptions as electricity demand continues to increase across the city.
