CHENNAI: Several areas of Chennai experienced power outages on Thursday night following a fire at the Manali substation in North Chennai. The fire led to a significant disruption in the city's power supply, leaving many residents in the dark. The Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), Rajesh Lakhani, stated that the fire originated within the substation. Fire and rescue teams were dispatched immediately to control the flames. Lakhani clarified that the fire was not due to an overload, as electricity demand was lower than usual compared to the summer months. He speculated that the fire could have been caused by an equipment malfunction. Lakhani assured residents that 50% of the city's power, particularly in areas like RA Puram, Mylapore, and Pulianthope, would be restored soon. Crews were working on a bypass line to restore power to the remaining affected areas. Despite this, several neighborhoods continued to face prolonged power cuts, leading to growing frustration among residents.

Residents Express Concerns

Many residents took to social media to express their concerns about the blackout. One resident noted the power outage had affected streetlights on Anna Salai Road, while another highlighted the impact of the prolonged cut on the elderly, mentioning rising cases of high blood pressure and palpitations. The TANGEDCO is actively working on restoring power across all affected areas, and investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.