Guwahati Faces Frequent Power Outages: Residents Demand Solutions
Power Cuts Disrupt Daily Life in Guwahati
In Guwahati, power outages have become a common occurrence, transforming everyday life into a series of interruptions. What used to be an occasional inconvenience is now so frequent that many locals simply sigh when the lights go out again.
One moment, everything seems fine; the next, the lights are off, fans stop spinning, and Wi-Fi is lost. Whether working from home, preparing meals, or trying to relax, residents face sudden power cuts without any warning.
From Hatigaon to Maligaon and Beltola to Chandmari, the narrative remains unchanged. The most frustrating aspect for residents is the absence of clear communication from officials—no explanations, no schedules, and no foreseeable end to the outages.
These interruptions occur unpredictably, often at the most inconvenient times. Locals report power cuts lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours, with some experiencing multiple outages in a single day.
Shreya Das, a remote worker in Guwahati, expressed her anxiety: “We’re paying high electricity bills, yet it feels like we’re living in the 90s. If the power goes out during an important meeting, how do I explain that to my boss?”
Another remote worker, Payal Choudhury, shared similar frustrations. “Working from home is increasingly stressful due to these unpredictable outages. Meetings get interrupted, and files fail to upload on time. I feel powerless when I’m expected to be available, but the power just doesn’t cooperate.”
While some residents have managed to invest in inverters or generators, many cannot afford such solutions. In older or densely populated areas, backup options are often impractical due to space constraints. Consequently, residents are left to endure the heat and darkness, waiting for the power to return.
APDCL's Perspective on Power Interruptions
The outages strike unpredictably, often at the worst possible times. (Photo: Unsplash)
The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) offers a different viewpoint. According to Bijay Shankar Barua, the PRO of APDCL, "We have long-term power purchase agreements in place and currently have adequate power supply. Therefore, labeling these as 'load shedding' is inaccurate; they are power interruptions."
Barua explained that various factors contribute to these interruptions, including ongoing construction, system maintenance, and increased demand during the summer months. "Sometimes, scheduled maintenance requires temporary power cuts," he added.
He noted that outages are more frequent in summer due to heightened demand and heat-related stress on the power system. "With air conditioners and fans running continuously, the system experiences sudden stress, leading to sagging conductors and the need for maintenance," he elaborated.
Despite these explanations, many residents find little comfort in them. As the reasons continue to be provided, locals are left to navigate what feels like a new normal—adjusting their routines and finding ways to cope with the disruptions.
Residents Call for Sustainable Solutions
Preetilekha Goswami, a homemaker from Amsing, Jorabat, voiced her concerns: "I understand that summer increases demand, but enduring hours without power is incredibly challenging. Simple tasks like cooking or cleaning become unbearable in this heat. We urgently need a solution to this issue."
As Guwahati grows in both size and population, many believe that the city's power infrastructure requires significant upgrades, moving beyond temporary fixes to long-term, sustainable solutions.
Barua emphasized, "The public deserves an uninterrupted power supply, 24/7. However, with rising temperatures, the load on the system continues to escalate." He added, "We strive to provide the best service possible, but sometimes we are constrained by unavoidable circumstances."
Current forecasts suggest that Assam's energy needs will increase by approximately 2500 MW by 2030 and 5000 MW by 2035. In response to this rising demand, the Assam Cabinet has recently approved the Thermal Power Generation Product Promotion Policy 2025, aimed at attracting substantial investments in the energy sector.
Aligned with this policy, the Chief Minister has conducted site reviews in Goalpara and Dhubri, where the government is considering the establishment of two new thermal power plants.
Hope for Improvement
Air conditioners, fans - everything’s running non-stop during the heat, putting sudden stress on the system. (Photo: Unsplash)
While frustrations are mounting, there may be relief on the horizon. The APDCL has announced a significant infrastructure improvement project set to commence in the coming months.
"A new system improvement plan will start within two to three months. We will replace the existing naked conductors with covered conductors, which will prevent frequent wire snapping. Even if a snap occurs, the risks and repair time will be significantly reduced," Barua stated.
He also mentioned that maintenance tasks like tree trimming currently necessitate shutting down power lines, but with covered conductors, such interruptions can be avoided.
Furthermore, ten new substations will be built across Guwahati to decentralize the power distribution system. "Previously, one line could affect 50 households. With these substations, the number of impacted households will be considerably lower. We will also have the capability to monitor real-time data and outages centrally, minimizing human error," Barua explained.
The APDCL is optimistic that this project will signify a turning point. "We are genuinely hopeful and eager for this project to succeed. We truly want to serve the community," Barua concluded.
In the meantime, residents of Guwahati are left to adapt as best they can, holding onto the hope that brighter days are ahead.
Conclusion
10 new substations will reduce the scope for human error. (Photo: Unsplash).