Lucknow Faces Power Crisis Amid Workforce Shortage
Lucknow power crisis deepens as repair staff strength shrinks

Image: Hindustan Times
Lucknow is experiencing a severe power crisis due to a significant reduction in repair staff following the implementation of a new management system. The restructuring has led to increased outages and delayed repairs, prompting public protests as the demand for electricity peaks during summer.
- 01Nearly 300 contractual workers were removed or sidelined due to the new vertical management system.
- 02The restructuring has reduced the number of active repair teams from three to one during night hours.
- 03Residents in multiple areas, including Faizullahganj and Alambagh, have protested against frequent outages and slow restoration.
- 04The new system aims to cut operational costs, with each repair team costing around ₹36,000 (approximately $435 USD) per month.
- 05Despite the challenges, the system introduced digital services for consumers, providing outage alerts and complaint registration via mobile.
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Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is grappling with a deepening power crisis as the Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration (LESA) faces a manpower shortage following the implementation of a new vertical management system. Reports indicate that nearly 300 contractual workers have been removed or sidelined, weakening the emergency response capabilities during peak summer demand. According to Devendra Pandey, general secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Samvida Nivida Karmchari Sangh, the reduction in repair teams has resulted in only one active team available at night, leading to prolonged outages when multiple faults occur. Residents in areas such as Faizullahganj, RDSO, and Alambagh have staged protests due to frequent outages and transformer failures. A senior engineer acknowledged the strain on the system, noting that the reduced number of teams has increased restoration times. The restructuring appears aimed at reducing operational costs, with each repair team costing around ₹36,000 (approximately $435 USD) monthly. However, the new system has also introduced consumer-focused digital services, allowing residents to receive timely outage alerts and assistance through a toll-free helpline.
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The reduced manpower in the power distribution system is leading to longer wait times for repairs and increased public dissatisfaction, particularly during the peak summer months.
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