Lucknow, March 29 -- Hundreds of residents across the city faced sudden power outages after the Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration began disconnecting prepaid meters with negative balances, triggering widespread outrage and chaos at billing centres. The crackdown, which started at 8 am, led to power cuts in nearly 19,800 homes, shops, and offices within just an hour. Officials said the move targeted consumers whose prepaid electricity meters had run into negative balance. However, the situation escalated when many consumers who promptly cleared their dues found that their electricity supply was not restored. Reports indicate that nearly 30% of those who paid their bills did not see automatic reconnection, leading to frustration and protests at multiple electricity offices, including the Hussain Ganj call centre. The highest number of disconnections were reported in Amausi (6,294), followed by Jankipuram (4,207), Gomti Nagar (3,269), and Lucknow Central zone (6,008). By 2 pm, affected consumers had collectively deposited around Rs.2.17 crore in outstanding bills. Despite payments, long queues and angry crowds persisted at offices such as Indralok Hydel Colony and Purnia substation, where residents struggled for hours to get their electricity restored. The outages also disrupted water supply in many areas, worsening the crisis. Chief engineer of Lucknow Central zone, Ravi Kumar Agarwal, clarified that reconnection would only occur once the consumer's account reflects a positive balance. "Even after bill payment, if the balance remains negative, the system will not restore power automatically," he said....