LUCKNOW, May 13 -- As Lucknow reels under the heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 40degC, the city's electricity demand has shot up, recently peaking at over 1,750 MW. The sharp spike in consumption has exposed serious cracks in the city's power infrastructure, pushing it to the brink despite advance planning.

Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), a substantial budget of Rs.400 crore was earmarked for the city, with Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration (LESA) focusing on laying underground cables, installing new feeders, replacing outdated transformers and electrical lines, and modernising the power grid to enhance its efficiency, reliability, and safety.

At least 32 transformers installed across the city to im...