A significant power outage struck parts of East and Central Delhi on Tuesday afternoon, following a fire at the Mandola sub-station of the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) in Uttar Pradesh. The disruption led to power cuts lasting over 30 minutes, affecting various neighborhoods across the national capital.
Delhi receives approximately 1,200 MW of electricity from the Mandola sub-station, which is crucial for meeting the city’s energy needs. Aam Aadmi Party Minister Atishi, addressing the situation in a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that the electricity supply was severely impacted due to the incident. “The power restoration process has begun, and electricity is now gradually returning to different areas,” she assured residents. However, Atishi expressed serious concerns about the reliability of the national power grid, stating, “I am seeking time with the Central Power Minister and the Chairman of PGCIL to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.”
The fire at the Mandola sub-station occurred around 2:11 pm, leading to an immediate and widespread power outage. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the power infrastructure, especially amid rising temperatures and escalating demand for electricity. Discom officials reported that Delhi’s peak power demand reached an unprecedented 8,000 MW on May 21, the highest the city has ever recorded. Projections from the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) suggest that the peak demand could soar to 8,200 MW during the summer of 2024.
The scorching heatwave that has enveloped central India in recent weeks has exacerbated the situation. Record-breaking temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius have been reported in many districts, driving a surge in the sale of cooling equipment such as refrigerators and air conditioners. While these appliances offer relief from the oppressive heat, they also place an additional burden on the power grid and raise environmental concerns due to increased energy consumption.
The extreme heat has also caused electrical equipment to overheat and malfunction. There have been multiple reports of air conditioners bursting into flames across Delhi-NCR. The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) has been inundated with fire-related calls, registering an alarming 200 incidents daily. “We are receiving more than 200 fire-related calls per day, this is the highest in the last 10 years. All equipment and manpower are stretched, it’s a tough time for the Delhi Fire Department,” said DFS Director Atul Garg.
The power outage in Delhi underscores the critical need for robust infrastructure and efficient energy management, particularly during peak demand periods. As climate change intensifies, resulting in more frequent and severe heatwaves, the strain on power grids is expected to increase. Ensuring the reliability of electricity supply and addressing the environmental impacts of rising energy consumption are urgent challenges that require coordinated efforts from both local and national authorities.
The incident has prompted calls for a thorough review of safety protocols and infrastructure resilience. Minister Atishi’s initiative to engage with central authorities aims to prevent future occurrences and improve the stability of the power grid. Meanwhile, residents are urged to conserve energy where possible and remain prepared for potential power interruptions.
In conclusion, the fire at the Mandola sub-station and the resulting power outage serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our power infrastructure. With the summer heat pushing demand to new heights, proactive measures and investments in infrastructure are essential to ensure a stable and sustainable power supply for Delhi’s residents.
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