LUCKNOW, April 29 -- A sharp rise in electricity demand amid an intense heatwave has exposed gaps in the city's power network, leading to prolonged outages, protests, and strain on supply management across several areas. On the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, localities including Rajajipuram, Para, Daud Nagar, Dubagga, Bhitauli, Basant Kunj, Ashiana (Sectors L and N), and Bijnor faced extended outages, leaving residents without relief in high temperatures. In Dubagga, locals stormed a substation, alleging repeated disruptions and delayed response from authorities. According to LESA officials, the sudden demand surge has strained the distribution system, leading to outages ranging from two to ten hours in areas such as Nakhas, Yahiyaganj, Charbagh, Indira Nagar, and Jankipuram. After protests by the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also raised concerns over smart meters. Party leader Sanjay Singh alleged that households earlier paying around Rs.1,500 are now receiving bills of Rs.6,000 to Rs.7,000, calling the system unfair and announcing a statewide campaign from May. The worst-hit areas were those linked to the Ambedkar substation, where over 100 families remained without electricity and water supply for nearly 20 hours after one phase of a 100 kVA transformer failed. Areas such as Panchamkheda, Charan Bhatta Road, and Royal City were affected. Residents said complaints were lodged immediately, but no action followed overnight. Protests were reported near the faulty transformer, with locals claiming that infrastructure has not kept pace with population growth, resulting in frequent overloading. Power supply was restored after installation of a 250 kVA transformer began on Tuesday morning and continued till evening. Over 700 residents spent nearly a full day without electricity in temperatures close to 40degC, forcing many to fetch water from distant sources....