1,854 unscheduled power interruptions in Bescom jurisdiction in September

Experts say that poor maintenance of infrastructure has remained a problem for years now with little improvement.

“The eyes of the whole world are on Bengaluru. Hence, it is our responsibility to provide good quality electricity to the citizens here,” Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar recently said at an event.

But, over the last weekend, citizens in many parts of Bengaluru experienced long hours of power interruptions after one spell of rain. 

As the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) continues to maintain that its interruptions are mostly scheduled, citizens argue that it is not the case.  

“We did not have power for almost six hours between Saturday and Sunday after it rained. We lodged multiple complaints with Bescom on their helpline as well as social media. But restoration of power took many hours anyway,” said Vani K., a resident of BTM Layout.  

According to the data provided by the power utility, 1,854 unscheduled interruptions occurred in its jurisdiction in the month of September. 

“Unscheduled interruptions usually occur due to weather-related events. When it rains or there are gusty winds, infrastructure gets damaged, or the connection trips. Hence, the supply gets affected,” said an official from Bescom.  

However, citizens question why this happens every time it rains.