Pune: Residents of Baner-Balewadi To Hold Protest Against Frequent Power Outages On May 16
Pune: Residents of Baner-Balewadi To Hold Protest Against Frequent Power Outages On May 16
Pune, 15 May 2026: Frustrated over recurring power cuts, voltage fluctuations, and alleged poor infrastructure management, residents of Baner, Balewadi, Pashan, and Mahalunge have announced a citizens’ protest on May 16 at Balewadi Phata against Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL).
The protest, organised by the Baner Balewadi Pashan Residents Association (BBPRA) and Baner Balewadi Nagrik Manch (BBNM), will begin at 6 pm at Signet Corner, Balewadi Phata. Residents are demanding “reliable power, not excuses,” citing frequent outages that they claim have disrupted homes, studies, work, and essential services for several weeks.
According to a formal complaint submitted by BBPRA to the Executive Engineer of MSEDCL’s Aundh division on May 5, residents have been facing power outages at least three to four times a week, with some interruptions lasting up to 24 hours. The association also alleged that voltage fluctuations have damaged electrical appliances, causing financial losses to several households and housing societies.
The complaint further raised concerns regarding exposed high-tension cables, feeder pillar boxes placed on footpaths without protective covers, and substandard cable-laying work allegedly carried out by contractors. Residents claimed these issues pose serious safety hazards and increase the risk of accidents.
In another detailed representation prepared by residents under Section 57 of the Electricity Act, 2003, citizens alleged that several areas in Baner-Balewadi have been witnessing daily outages since April 2026, with electricity cuts often lasting two to four hours at a stretch. Residents stated that there was no prior intimation about outages and that MSEDCL helpline numbers and complaint systems remained largely unresponsive during emergencies.
The residents’ letter also referred to an official explanation circulated by MSEDCL officials stating that all three incoming cables had failed simultaneously and that backup cables tripped due to overload. Citizens argued that this itself highlighted severe stress on the electricity infrastructure and inadequate backup systems despite previous assurances regarding feeder bifurcation, infrastructure strengthening, and additional backfeeding capacity in the area.
The association has demanded a detailed technical explanation regarding the outages, clarification on whether MERC standard restoration timelines were violated, and information about preventive measures being planned to avoid future disruptions. Residents have also sought details about compensation procedures for losses caused due to prolonged outages.
