Hyderabad: Acting President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), Ahmed Idrees Chohan, has expressed serious concern over the prolonged and unannounced electricity outages in Hyderabad.
He stated that HESCO issues schedules indicating planned power shutdowns of five hours in various areas, however, in practice Hyderabad remained plunged into darkness for seven, eight, or even more hours in some locations.
This significant discrepancy between the announced schedule and the actual duration of power outages should be revisited.
He further stated that the Hyderabad Chamber has formally written to the Chief Executive Officer of HESCO, urging the authority to take immediate concerted measures to address this serious issue.
Chohan said that traders, industrialists, shopkeepers, students, and the general public organize their business, educational, and household activities according to the shutdown schedules announced by HESCO, However, electricity remained unavailable for several additional hours without prior notice, business operations were severely hampered resulting in financial losses and unnecessary inconvenience.
He added that, in its letter, the Chamber has demanded that HESCO announce only the actual duration of planned shutdowns, promptly inform the public in case of any extension beyond the scheduled time, and investigate the reasons behind the recurring discrepancy between the announced and actual outage durations to prevent consumers from facing such difficulties in the future.
Chohan expressed hope that the Chief Executive Officer of HESCO would personally take notice of this matter of public significance and ensure immediate corrective action.
He also welcomed HESCO’s initiative to exempt 68 feeders in Hyderabad from load shedding, stating that while the utility’s efforts to improve electricity supply are commendable, it is equally important to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability in the issuance of shutdown schedules.
This would help restore public confidence and protect the business community from unnecessary hardships.