Unscheduled power cuts increase winter woes

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 4

Long power cuts, especially in rural areas, are causing undue trouble to residents during this intense cold. Residents complain that without electricity, it becomes difficult for them to use electronic appliances to keep themselves warm and comfortable in these harsh winter days.

Gurinder Kaur, a resident of Cheema village, said, “Power cuts in our area are mostly from 6 am to 11 am and this is the time when people need fresh water from tubewells, water heaters and other appliances in the kitchen.” She said that owing to power cuts, homemakers find it difficult to complete domestic chores on time. She added that though most homes had inverters as a backup, all appliances cannot be run with the help of them.

Kashmir Singh, a dairy farmer, said, “The water in the tanks gets very cold during the night. Animals need fresh water during the morning as it is comparatively warmer.” He added that farmers also have to use electricity-run fodder choppers in the morning.

While the government never tires of making tall claims of surplus power in the state, residents wonder why they are being subjected to unscheduled power cuts.

“Electricity in the present times is a necessity and not a luxury. How can people do their jobs if they are not getting enough electricity on which their life’s daily activities heavily depend,” said Kultar Singh, another resident, suggesting that the power corporation can apply power cuts in the afternoon when people use less electricity or do not feel much requirement of electricity supply.

Residents of urban areas too are affected by unscheduled power cuts, though to a lesser degree as compared to those living in rural areas. They also suggested that the timings of power cuts should be made public so that people can finish their necessary works before the start of a power cut.

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