GUWAHATI: In the face of an escalating power crisis in Assam, the state government is poised to unveil a schedule for load-shedding, tailored to different towns across the region. This strategic move comes as a response to the mounting discontent among citizens grappling with persistent power outages and soaring electricity costs, exacerbated by the relentless heat wave conditions. The announcement of these load-shedding timings is expected imminently, potentially within the next couple of days.
Contrary to expectations, the Assam government has decided against increasing electricity tariffs. Instead, they are opting to manage the energy deficit through regulated load-shedding schedules. The decision reflects a conscious effort to alleviate the burden on the already beleaguered residents who have endured not only a lack of consistent power supply but also the unbearable sweltering heat.
Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has taken personal responsibility for overseeing the implementation of these load-shedding schedules. He highlighted the significant increase in electricity demand this year, explaining that the state's power requirements have surged from 1,800 Megawatts to a staggering 2,500 Megawatts. This surge in demand has put immense pressure on the existing power infrastructure.
CM Sarma clarified the rationale behind the potential tariff hike, stating, "We currently do not possess sufficient electricity reserves. If we are compelled to purchase electricity from external sources, it may necessitate a tariff increase of Re.1." This cautious approach aims to strike a balance between fulfilling the energy needs of the populace and minimizing financial strain on consumers.
Chief Minister Sarma disclosed that the state government has established partnerships with various companies to bolster power generation capacity for the upcoming year. This initiative intends to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for residents and mitigate the need for load-shedding. Sarma emphasized, "Our goal is to eliminate power cuts lasting 5-10 hours, but if people desire round-the-clock power supply, tariff adjustments might be inevitable."
In recent days, Assam has grappled with soaring temperatures, exacerbating the already challenging living conditions. Continuous power cuts have intensified the misery of the populace, prompting widespread concerns. Even in the face of potential tariff hikes, residents are yearning for a reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply.
As Assam battles a severe power crisis exacerbated by scorching temperatures, the state government is exploring load-shedding schedules as an alternative to tariff hikes. The decision reflects a commitment to providing a consistent power supply to residents while mitigating financial burdens. Nevertheless, partnerships with companies to enhance power generation capacity offer hope for a more stable energy future in the region.
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