Lucknow, April 23 -- A sharp rise in electricity demand amid intensifying heat is straining the city's power network, triggering transformer failures, substation shutdowns and long outages in several areas. On Wednesday, a transformer at Rashmilok in Sharda Nagar broke down in the morning and remained unrepaired for over 10 hours, pointing to delays in response. Officials said at least four transformers have failed in the past two days as load continues to climb. Power demand has risen from 1,381 MW on April 17 to around 1,550 MW on April 22 (daytime), overloading feeders and forcing shutdowns at nearly 30 substations. Rostering is being carried out in Balaganj, Dubagga, Malihabad, Rahimabad, Mal, Kakori, Bakshi Ka Talab, Itaunja and Mohanlalganj. In Dubagga's Sita Vihar Colony, a 990 KVA transformer caught fire after an AB cable ignited, affecting nearly 2,000 consumers. Residents said staff reached after a delay. On Mohan Road near Para, a 400 KVA transformer fire left around 300 consumers without supply for nearly 12 hours. Another fire in Saraswatipuram disrupted power for over two hours. Residents flagged poor maintenance and overburdened equipment. Officials said load management and replacements are underway, but rising demand remains a challenge. MD Madhyanchal Riya Kejriwal said that load management measures and emergency replacements are being carried out, but with demand continuing to climb due to the heatwave, tarrangements are being to meet the demand and maintain infrastructure. htc...