Pune have been grappling with frequent and unpredictable power cuts, leading to significant disruptions in their operations.
According to local industry associations, the power outages have intensified in the last two weeks, with areas like Talwade, Jyotibanagar, Shelarwasti, and Sonawanenagar bearing the brunt of these disturbances. With March being a critical month for businesses looking to meet year-end orders, the sudden and irregular power supply is putting pressure on manufacturers. Sandeep Belsare, the chairman of the Pimpri Chinchwad Small Industries Association, expressed frustration over the issue, stating that the lack of a stable power supply during this vital period was hampering business operations. He explained that the unpredictability of power cuts affects the timely completion of orders, which is crucial for companies looking to close out their fiscal year on a positive note.
The problem has been compounded by the fact that many facilities in industrial hubs like Pimpri Chinchwad, Bhosari, and Chakan are left without any prior notice of power outages. This has added to the operational difficulties, with businesses left scrambling to find solutions at the last minute. The Federation of Chakan Industries has also voiced concerns over the rising electricity tariffs in Maharashtra, which are among the highest in the country. With production costs already inflated, the inconsistent power supply further exacerbates the issue, leading to equipment malfunctions and productivity losses. Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), which is responsible for the distribution of power in the state, has attributed the recent power failures to fire incidents, both man-made and natural, that have affected transmission lines. The company reported that there were six fire incidents in the last two months alone, which impacted around six lakh consumers. These fires have been blamed for significant outages, further aggravating the challenges faced by local industries. The onset of summer has only added to the pressure on the power grid, with the demand for electricity soaring. In addition to the increased demand, the burning of crop residue and grass near rural transmission lines has disrupted power supply. MSEDCL officials have taken steps to mitigate these risks by installing protective wiring around substations and transformers. However, they pointed out that illegal dumping of waste near power stations, which attracts stray animals and rodents, continues to pose a threat to the integrity of the power infrastructure.
The utility company has urged residents to refrain from dumping waste near substations and to report such incidents to the authorities in order to minimise the risk of damage to power equipment. Despite these efforts, the situation remains concerning for local businesses, which are struggling to maintain smooth operations amidst the ongoing power issues. Small industries, which are the backbone of Pune’s manufacturing sector, continue to bear the brunt of these disruptions. With Maharashtra already facing high electricity costs, the combination of tariff hikes and inconsistent supply is placing significant strain on the financial health of these businesses. As manufacturers continue to voice their dissatisfaction, there is mounting pressure on both the state government and MSEDCL to address the issue urgently. The call for more reliable and affordable electricity supply has never been more critical for Pune’s small industries. While MSEDCL works to resolve some of the infrastructural challenges, the city’s manufacturers are hoping for quicker and more effective solutions to ensure that their businesses can continue to operate without the constant threat of power cuts.
Pune Small Businesses Struggling with Power Cuts
