India, June 13 -- A nearly 30% jump in electricity demand during the ongoing heatwave has exposed critical weaknesses in the power distribution network across Navi Mumbai and the adjoining Panvel region, triggering recurring outages, public protests and urgent intervention by two state ministers within a span of days.

The surge means that electricity consumption in the region has risen by almost one-third compared with normal levels, placing unprecedented pressure on substations, transformers, underground cables and local distribution lines. With more households and businesses relying heavily on air-conditioners, coolers and other power-intensive appliances to combat soaring temperatures, the existing infrastructure has struggled to cope...