LUCKNOW, May 22 -- The ongoing heatwave across Uttar Pradesh has pushed the state's power infrastructure under severe stress, triggering prolonged outages, transformer failures, low-voltage problems and public protests in several districts. With temperatures crossing 45degC in many areas and continuous use of air-conditioners, coolers and fans driving electricity demand to record levels, officials admitted that transformers and distribution lines are struggling to cope with the load.

From Bahraich and Lakhimpur Kheri to Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Kanpur, residents have complained of hours-long power cuts, frequent tripping and delayed repair work, leaving many areas without electricity during peak daytime heat and through the nig...