NAVI MUMBAI, June 14 -- 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 with the increased load. The worst-affected areas within the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) limits include Airoli, Ghansoli, Kopar Khairane, Turbhe, Nerul, Vashi, Sanpada and CBD Belapur, where residents have reported repeated power failures, voltage fluctuations and prolonged disruptions. The crisis has been equally severe in the adjoining Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) region, impacting Kamothe, Kalamboli, Kharghar, Ulwe, Navde, New Panvel and Karanjade. According to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL), the sharp rise in demand has coincided with faults in ageing low-tension (LT) lines, shortages of repair materials and mounting strain on a distribution network that has failed to keep pace with rapid urbanisation. The situation has become particularly acute in the fast-growing Panvel region. Kamothe, home to more than one lakh residents, continues to depend largely on a single substation, while much of Kalamboli's supply is routed through the Taloja substation, making both areas vulnerable to prolonged outages. Public anger first boiled over last week after repeated power failures over a 27-hour period disrupted electricity supply to around 15,000 residents in Kamothe. On Wednesday, a feeder fault plunged large parts of Kalamboli into darkness, prompting residents to gather outside the MSEDCL substation. Police were deployed as tensions escalated before power was restored in the early hours. "Power cuts have become routine. The prolonged outages disrupt work, children's studies and daily life. We need permanent solutions, not temporary repairs," said Dinanath Mhatre, a resident of Ghansoli. The disruptions soon spilled onto the streets. Shiv Sena workers led by MP Naresh Mhaske staged a 'Halla Bol' agitation outside the MSEDCL office in Vashi, while a separate 'Ghantanad Morcha' was organised outside the utility's Airoli office on Wednesday. "Residents have endured repeated outages for months, affecting patients, senior citizens, children, hospitals and police stations. If the situation does not improve within a week, Shiv Sena workers will enter the MSEDCL office and throw the officials out," Mhaske said, accusing officials of shifting blame to contractors....