Frequent and unannounced power outages have left football enthusiasts in Thoubal district frustrated as they struggle to watch FIFA World Cup matches, one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events held once every four years.
Residents complained that while temporary disruptions due to storms, maintenance work or technical faults are understandable, recurring power cuts and unscheduled load shedding have severely affected daily life and deprived many of the opportunity to follow the tournament.
Consumers also expressed concern over the lack of effective communication from power authorities regarding outages. They pointed out that there is little public awareness about complaint mechanisms or contact numbers through which consumers can obtain information or register grievances. Residents said advance notice should be issued whenever shutdowns, maintenance work or other technical issues are expected to affect power supply.
Attempts to seek clarification from officials of MSPDCL and MSPCL reportedly failed to yield a clear response, with responsibility allegedly being shifted between departments. Residents further claimed that the absence of accessible officials in the district has made it difficult for consumers to obtain information about power disruptions.
Many consumers noted that electricity connections in the district operate under a prepaid system, under which users pay in advance for the service. They argued that frequent and prolonged interruptions without prior notice undermine consumer rights and cause unnecessary hardship.
As the FIFA World Cup continues, residents have appealed to the concerned authorities to ensure a stable and uninterrupted power supply and to establish an effective communication mechanism for informing consumers about power-related issues.