"No Load Shedding in Rural Areas": Energy Minister Cites Technical Faults for Power Disruptions

Speaking to reporters after the third day of the Deputy Commissioners' (DC) Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on May 5, 2026, the Minister explained that disruptions are primarily due to technical issues rather than power shortages.

Technical Faults vs. Load Shedding The Minister noted that Rural Electrification Board (REB) lines are often extensively long. When a mechanical fault occurs, identifying and repairing the specific "fault" point takes time. During these maintenance periods, power supply is temporarily suspended, which the general public often perceives as load shedding. He assured that once repairs are completed, the power situation returns to normal immediately.

Fuel Crisis Denied Dismissing rumors that power outages are caused by oil or fuel shortages, the Minister asserted that recent disruptions were strictly mechanical. He thanked the Deputy Commissioners for their effective role in tackling the "artificial fuel crisis" that some quarters recently tried to create. He added that the DCs have been thoroughly briefed on the current energy and power situation to prevent the spread of misinformation at the field level.

Future Solar Initiatives Highlighting the government's long-term vision, the Minister announced a target to generate 5,000 MW of electricity through solar panels over the next five years. As a preliminary step toward this goal, he issued a directive to install solar panels in all Deputy Commissioner offices across the country within the next three months. The DCs have reportedly assured their full cooperation in expanding the reach of renewable energy.