Chandigarh: Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar has strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government over frequent power cuts across the state during the peak summer season, calling it a failure of governance and poor planning.
Jakhar said that continuous electricity outages in the name of maintenance work during extreme heat reflect “serious mismanagement” by the state government. He pointed out that while the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) currently does not have a regular chairman, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Power Minister are frequently abroad on investment tours, leaving the state without effective leadership.
In a social media post, Jakhar wrote that power cuts are being imposed across Punjab at a time when electricity is cheaper during daytime due to solar energy availability. He questioned the timing of maintenance work, asking why such work was not carried out in February or March instead of the peak summer season.
He further alleged that the absence of a regular technocrat chairman has stalled decision-making in the power department, and key decisions are being controlled remotely, resulting in inconvenience for the public.
Jakhar also highlighted the financial burden on the state, stating that daytime electricity costs around ₹1.50 to ₹2 per unit, while nighttime procurement rises to nearly ₹10 per unit. Due to daytime outages, industries are being forced to operate at night, increasing costs and operational challenges.
He warned that frequent power cuts are also affecting solar power users, as grid-linked systems fail to function effectively during outages, reducing overall energy efficiency.
Jakhar concluded that the current power management approach is negatively impacting households, businesses, and industries across Punjab, especially during the ongoing heatwave.
