Bengaluru power cut alert: BESCOM's Nov 26 shutdown to impact south city; full area list here

Electricity supply

A major scheduled power cut will impact numerous neighbourhoods in southern Bengaluru today, as the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) conducts critical infrastructure upgrades. The shutdown, confirmed by BESCOM, is slated to last from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, November 26.

The extensive work is centred on the Subramanyapura Power Station (110/66/11 kV), where engineers will undertake what the utility describes as essential maintenance. The project includes upgrading transformers and transmission lines, replacing outdated equipment and strengthening the broader 220/66/11 kV electricity network.

A key objective is the enhancement of a 100 MW-capacity line, a move BESCOM states is vital for improving load-handling capabilities and preventing future supply breakdowns.

A wide swathe of the city's southern sector will be affected. As per reports, residents in the following areas should prepare for a disruption in electricity supply: Banashankari, Padmanabhanagar, Kathriguppe, Kumaraswamy Layout, ISRO Layout, Uttarahalli, Chikkalasandra, Hosakerehalli, Girinagar, Srinagar, Gubbalala, Konanakunte, JP Nagar 6th & 7th Phase and Yelachenahalli, along with other surrounding localities.

Separate, shorter power outages were also reported over the preceding weekend in a different set of suburbs, including Hullenahalli and Kalingayannapalya, for distinct maintenance work.

BESCOM has issued practical advice for those in the impacted zones, urging them to plan their day around the seven-hour window. Recommendations include charging phones, laptops and other essential devices in advance and ensuring backup systems like inverters are operational.

The utility specifically advised against using lifts during the outage and suggested planning work-from-home or other electricity-dependent tasks accordingly.

The power distributor has sought the cooperation of the public, assuring residents that the temporary inconvenience is a necessary step towards a more robust electrical grid. Once complete, the upgrades are expected to result in better supply reliability, reduced voltage fluctuations and improved overall power management for the city's southern periphery.