Power outages trigger protests in Chennai; Residents demand immediate action
Frustration over recurring power disruptions spilled onto the streets in several parts of Chennai and its suburbs, with residents staging demonstrations, blocking roads, and gathering outside electricity distribution offices to demand uninterrupted supply.
For days, households in multiple neighbourhoods have reported frequent and prolonged outages, particularly during the night. Residents say the interruptions have made living conditions difficult amid rising temperatures and humid weather, affecting sleep, daily routines and small businesses.
Anger over the situation intensified on Sunday as groups of residents assembled at local electricity offices seeking explanations and faster restoration of supply. In some areas, protesters temporarily blocked roads, leading to traffic disruptions and prompting intervention by officials and police personnel.
Among the affected localities was Perambur, where residents voiced concern over repeated power failures and alleged delays in resolving complaints. Demonstrators said they had repeatedly approached authorities but saw little improvement in service reliability.
Electricity department officials attributed many of the disruptions to technical faults and maintenance-related issues. They said field teams had been deployed to identify and rectify problems, while efforts were underway to strengthen the distribution network and restore normal supply at the earliest.
Residents have urged authorities to provide a long-term solution to prevent repeated outages and ensure uninterrupted power supply during the summer months.
Officials have appealed for public cooperation and assured consumers that corrective measures are being taken to reduce the frequency of disruptions and improve service across affected areas.