Lucknow, July 25 – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a high-level meeting with Energy Department officials at his official residence in Lucknow today, addressing the ongoing power crisis affecting the state. With rising temperatures and increasing complaints about power cuts, the Chief Minister took a hands-on approach to ensure residents get relief. The meeting, attended by Energy Minister AK Sharma and senior officials from the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), focused on finding immediate solutions and long-term fixes for the state’s energy challenges.
The discussion comes as Uttar Pradesh faces a surge in electricity demand, driven by the intense summer heat. Sources say the state’s power demand recently hit a record high, putting pressure on the energy grid. Yogi Adityanath reportedly expressed concern over frequent power outages in both urban and rural areas, urging officials to act quickly. “People shouldn’t suffer because of power cuts. We need to fix this now,” he was quoted as saying during the meeting.
Officials provided the Chief Minister with a detailed report on the reasons behind the power shortages, including technical issues at power plants and delays in coal supply. Yogi instructed the department to work closely with the central government to secure additional coal and explore alternative transport options, such as roadways, to speed up delivery to power stations. He also emphasized the need for better maintenance of power plants to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
The Chief Minister didn’t stop at addressing supply issues. He stressed the importance of fair billing practices, warning against overbilling or delays that frustrate consumers. “The system should be transparent and consumer-friendly,” he said, directing officials to roll out a one-time settlement scheme for unpaid electricity bills. This scheme would allow people to clear dues in installments, with possible exemptions on interest for overdue payments. Rural areas, where billing issues are more common, were highlighted as a priority for improvement.
Energy Minister AK Sharma, who faced scrutiny for the department’s performance, assured the Chief Minister that steps are being taken to stabilize the power supply. The meeting also saw discussions on upgrading infrastructure to meet the growing demand, which is expected to rise further in the coming years. Plans to make four coal-fired power plants operational were reviewed, with timelines set to ensure they start functioning soon.
The urgency of the meeting reflects the government’s response to public frustration, as posts on X have highlighted growing complaints about power cuts across Uttar Pradesh. Residents have taken to social media to voice their concerns, with some calling the situation a “power crisis.” Yogi’s proactive stance aims to address these grievances and restore confidence in the state’s energy management.
As the meeting concluded, officials were tasked with preparing a detailed action plan to prevent future outages. The Chief Minister also called for regular updates on progress, signaling that he will closely monitor the situation. For now, Uttar Pradesh residents are hopeful that these efforts will bring much-needed relief from the power disruptions plaguing their daily lives.
