Unannounced Power Cuts Trigger Financial Crisis for Small Businesses in Punjab: Balwinder Dhaliwal

Chandigarh, April 23, 2026: Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal expressed serious concern over the ongoing crisis of continuous and unannounced power cuts in Punjab, stating that the situation has assumed alarming proportions and is pushing small businesses and local industry towards a severe financial breakdown.
Describing the prevailing conditions as nothing short of an “undeclared emergency,” he said that the uncertainty and inconsistency in power supply have badly disrupted business operations, affecting traders, small manufacturers, and service providers across the state.
He alleged that the present Aam Aadmi Party government is attempting to conceal technical shortcomings in the power system through unannounced outages. The lack of transparency in power management, he added, has left citizens and businesses in the dark—both literally and administratively.
According to feedback from various districts, power cuts are occurring multiple times a day without prior notice. This has resulted in repeated interruptions in commercial activity, reduced productivity, and mounting financial losses. Frequent voltage fluctuations are also damaging costly equipment, further burdening already struggling small enterprises.
Dhaliwal also raised concerns over reports suggesting possible financial reprioritization within the power sector. He questioned whether efforts to fund welfare schemes, including a proposed monthly pension initiative, are indirectly impacting electricity supply and infrastructure. While there is no official confirmation, he emphasized that such concerns must be addressed transparently to prevent erosion of public trust.
He called upon the Chairman of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (Powercom) to immediately clarify the actual position regarding power availability, demand management, and the reasons behind persistent outages, stating that the public has a fundamental right to accurate and timely information.
Furthermore, he urged the government to take urgent and concrete steps to stabilize power supply, ensure advance scheduling of outages, and safeguard the interests of small businesses that form the backbone of Punjab’s economy.
Trade associations and industry bodies have also echoed similar concerns, warning that if the situation does not improve swiftly, many2 small businesses may find it difficult to sustain operations.
The ongoing power crisis has created widespread anxiety among citizens. Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal emphasized that immediate, transparent, and accountable action is essential to restore normalcy and public confidence.