HCSTSI concerned over prolonged electricity outages

HYDERABAD: Acting President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & 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, electricity remains suspended for seven, eight, or even more hours in some locations. This significant discrepancy between the announced schedule and the actual duration of power outages is unacceptable. He further stated that the Hyderabad Chamber has formally written to the Chief Executive Officer of HESCO, urging the authority to take immediate corrective 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, when electricity remains unavailable for several additional hours without prior notice, business operations are severely disrupted, resulting in financial losses and unnecessary inconvenience. He also pointed out that, apart from prolonged shutdowns, frequent short tripping in various areas has further aggravated consumers’ difficulties. Repeated power interruptions at short intervals not only disrupt commercial activities and industrial production but also damage electrical appliances and industrial machinery. Chohan emphasized that if technical or administrative reasons make it unavoidable to extend the duration of a scheduled shutdown, it is HESCO’s responsibility to provide timely, accurate, and complete information to the public. If electricity is expected to remain suspended for eight hours, there is no justification for announcing a five-hour shutdown. Keeping consumers unaware of the actual situation is not only contrary to the principles of transparency but also undermines public confidence in the utility. 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 importance 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 will help restore public confidence and protect the business community from unnecessary hardships. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026