Pune: In the Ekta Nagari area on Sinhagad Road, 19 MSEDCL transformers were submerged in floodwater on Thursday (July 25), resulting in a power outage across approximately 65 societies.

With the water receding, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) restored power to 14 transformers on Friday. Out of the remaining five transformers, three were replaced due to damage, while two were kept off for safety reasons.

Water remains in the meter rooms of 25 societies, leading to a continued power outage affecting around 2,400 homes for safety reasons, according to MSEDCL officials.

Despite the adverse conditions, MSEDCL has successfully restored power to 1296 out of the 1327 transformers impacted by the heavy rains, providing significant relief to approximately 117365 (97.7 percent) customers.

As of late Friday (July 26) evening, efforts to restore power to around 31 transformers in Ekta Nagari on Sinhagad Road and other areas like Maval, Lonavala were ongoing.

Restoration work continues in the challenging terrain of Maval, Bhorgiri, and Karla, where 23 transformers are yet to be fully operational. Mud, slippery roads, and landslides are obstructing repair efforts.

Additionally, work continued late into the evening to restore power to around 350 customers in areas such as Ravet and Kondhwe Dhawade.

Monopoly Must End

Widespread power outages from city center areas to Katraj left millions of residents in the dark for hours, drawing sharp criticism towards MSEDCL administration.

Pune, the highest revenue-generating city for MSEDCL with minimal electricity theft, faced an unexpected failure in ensuring an uninterrupted power supply.

"The monopoly held by MSEDCL in electricity supply has been cited as a key reason for this situation. Until competition is introduced in the electricity sector, similar to the telecommunications sector, Pune residents will continue to face such challenges," stated Vivek Velankar, President of the Sajag Nagrik Manch.