Sikri is one of many residents in the National Capital Region facing up to six hours of power cuts every day this winter.

According to Delhi government officials, most cuts over the past week have been due to the ongoing repair and maintenance work in various parts of the city. On Monday, for instance, Wazirpur went without power from 9 am to 3 pm. Reason: maintenance work.

Officials from power distribution companies (discoms), however say the cuts are largely due to over-drawing by neighbouring states. “Twelve states — including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab — are drawing power from the same source,” a discom official says. “This is due to the rise in demand, so the frequency at which power is transmitted has come down.”

While in the Capital, residents of east and north Delhi have faced the worst of the crisis, Gurgaon has seen cuts of up to nine hours.

Most of Gurgaon, including hospitals and police stations, are now functioning on private generators. And those without these facilities, including the Fire department, survives on candles. According to Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) there are 9.5 hours of power cuts scheduled for residential areas, 7.5 hours for Industrial areas, and six hours for rural households. That’s the daily schedule.

V K Jain, general manager, DHVBN- Gurgaon, says lack rain so far this season, coupled with two affected power generation plants in Panipat, are the main reasons for the power cuts. While Gurgaon’s daily power demand has risen to 2000 MW, it receives between 1100 and 1600 MW. Result: a constant shortage even in normal times. And add to it the two dysfunctional power stations, and Gurgaon’s cup of woe runs over, says Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Gupta.

But not every one agrees. “The government is not doing its duty. If they don’t have the infrastructure they should not authorise so many colonies,” says Vinod Agarwal, a resident and shopowner in Sector 40.

Shalini Vig Wadhwa, general manager (corporate communications) for DLF, says: “DLF had applied for licence to generate and distribute our own electricity within the township more than a year ago. But the proposal was rejected.”

Wadhwa says if builders are granted licences they will get the situation under control within six months.