Consumers can help tackle the current electricity crisis by optimising electricity use, especially during the peak period, say experts and power firms. While Mumbai’s power demand has increased by 10 per cent in comparison to the corresponding period last year, coal scarcity and soaring temperatures across the state means that measures will need to be adopted to ration its use.

Power expert Ashok Pendse told mid-day on Saturday that Friday’s peak demand in Mumbai was 3,850 MW. “With this the margin left on the transmission system is very limited as it cannot bear an overload. May and June are still to go,” he said, adding that consumers can at least optimise demand for two hours during the peak period, which is between 3 and 5 pm. “Reducing the use of air conditioners will help a great deal,” he said. “I am sure that the appeal to consumers will help. This will at least restrict peak loads going up,” added Pendse.