NAVI MUMBAI: A nearly 30% rise in electricity demand during the current heat wave has exposed critical weaknesses in the power distribution network in Navi Mumbai and the adjoining Panvel region, prompting recurring outages, public protests and urgent intervention by two state ministers within a span of days.
The increase means electricity consumption in the region has increased by almost a third compared to normal levels, putting unprecedented pressure on substations, transformers, underground cables and local distribution lines. As more and more homes and businesses rely heavily on air conditioners, refrigerators and other energy-intensive appliances to combat rising temperatures, existing infrastructure has struggled to cope with the increased load.
The worst-affected areas within Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) limits include Airoli, Ghansoli, Kopar Khairane, Turbhe, Nerul, Vashi, Sanpada and CBD Belapur, where residents have reported repeated power outages, voltage fluctuations and prolonged outages. The crisis has been equally severe in the adjoining Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) region, affecting Kamothe, Kalamboli, Kharghar, Ulwe, Navde, New Panvel and Karanjade.
According to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL), the sharp rise in demand has coincided with failures in aging low-voltage (LT) lines, shortages of repair materials and growing strain on a distribution network that has failed to keep pace with rapid urbanization.
The situation has become particularly dire in the rapidly growing Panvel region. Kamothe, home to over one lakh residents, remains largely dependent on a single substation, while much of Kalamboli’s supply passes through the Taloja substation, making both areas vulnerable to prolonged outages.
Public anger first boiled over last week after repeated power outages over a 27-hour period disrupted electricity supplies to about 15,000 residents in Kamothe. On Wednesday, a feeder failure plunged much of Kalamboli into darkness, prompting residents to gather outside the MSEDCL substation. Police were deployed as tensions rose before power was restored in the early hours.
“Power outages have become routine. Prolonged blackouts disrupt work, children’s studies and daily life. We need permanent solutions, not temporary repairs,” said Ghansoli resident Dinanath Mhatre.
The riots soon spread to the streets. Shiv Sena workers, led by MP Naresh Mhaske, staged a ‘Halla Bol’ agitation in front of the MSEDCL office in Vashi, while a separate ‘Ghantanad Morcha’ was organized in front of the utility’s Airoli office on Wednesday.
“Residents have been suffering repeated outages for months, affecting patients, senior citizens, children, hospitals and police stations. If the situation does not improve in a week, Shiv Sena workers will enter the MSEDCL office and expel the officials,” Mhaske said, accusing the officials of blaming the contractors.
Yuva Sena leader Aniket Mhatre submitted a memorandum demanding time-bound infrastructure improvements.
“The sanctioned 22 kV substation is yet to be commissioned. Residents of Airoli, Ghansoli, Nerul and Turbhe continue to suffer as officials fail to respond to calls or provide timelines,” he said, calling for commissioning of pending substations, replacement of aging underground cables, installation of additional transformers and a comprehensive technical audit of the distribution network.
Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur sought the intervention of Minister of State for Power Meghna Sakore-Bordikar, arguing that power infrastructure had failed to keep pace with rapid population growth in Kamothe, Kalamboli, Kharghar and adjoining areas. During a review meeting, he pushed for acceleration of pending substation approvals, increase in feeders, upgrading of transformer capacity and a time-bound implementation plan. However, residents continued to report fresh outages in Navde and Kalamboli even after the meeting.
As disturbances persisted in Navi Mumbai, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik convened a high-level review meeting with MSEDCL officials, civic representatives and municipal authorities.
“If MSEDCL needs additional funds to strengthen the power grid, it should come up with a proposal. Necessary support will be extended,” Naik said. He also called for strict criminal action against those involved in power theft.
MSEDCL Superintendent Engineer Deepak Patil attributed the crisis largely to the unprecedented rise in electricity consumption.
“Electricity demand in Navi Mumbai has increased by almost 30% due to rising temperatures. Frequent faults in LT lines have led to repeated power outages. Additional manpower has already been deployed, about 10 km of repair cable will soon be available and the Rabale substation will significantly improve the city’s distribution network,” Patil said.
