MADURAI: Unscheduled power outages were reported across Madurai city and suburbs on Wednesday night and Thursday morning leaving the residents suffer in the sweltering heat.
The outage lasted more than one hour in places like Arasaradi, New Jail Road, Kalavasal, Palanganatham, Avaniyapuram and Tirunagar, Nagamalai Pudukottai, Erkudi Achampathu suburbs. Many parts of the district also reported power outages. While the situation turned normal within hours, Thursday morning saw severe power fluctuation for two to three hours.
Sources from Tangedco said that Madurai city requires 1,500mw power per day. On Wednesday night, there was a major drop in supply which forced Tangedco to go on unscheduled power cuts. “We have received information that the state is purchasing power from private companies. We are optimistic that such outages won’t happen in the coming days,” said a senior official. “The city is turning sultry after the Chithirai festival. Sudden power cut are scaring us. We are recalling the sweaty nights during summer months some seven or eight years ago,” said S Balasubramaniam from Palanganatham.
“The voltage dropped and electrical appliances stopped functioning. But the situation improved within one or two hours,” said M Chandrasekaran from Kalavasal. Madurai city and the district have been witnessing continuous rainfall since April 11. The rains brought great relief to Tangedco as the demand dwindled by 200mw every day. The solar panels installed at households provide some relief.
