NAVI MUMBAI, June 13 -- A nearly 30% jump in electricity demand during the ongoing heatwave has hit 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. 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 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. As disruptions persisted across Navi Mumbai, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik convened a high-level review meeting with MSEDCL officials, civic representatives and municipal authorities. "If MSEDCL requires additional funds to strengthen the electricity network, it should submit a proposal," Naik said. Shiv Sena workers led by MP Naresh Mhaske staged a 'Halla Bol' agitation outside the MSEDCL office in Vashi. MSEDCL Superintending Engineer Deepak Patil attributed the crisis largely to the unprecedented rise in electricity consumption. "Electricity demand in Navi Mumbai has increased by nearly 30% due to rising temperatures. Frequent faults in LT lines have led to repeated power outages. The Rabale substation will improve the city's distribution network," Patil said....