Traffic signals not working due to lack of power supply create chaos at crossroads in the city
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited ( MSEDCL ) had begun switching off power supply to urban streetlight connections from 5.30am to 6.30pm as part of efforts to manage grid stress during the critical evening transition period. In her letter, Khatri stated: “Without any prior notice, the online power supply to NMC’s smart electricity meters under the street light tariff was abruptly cut off at 05.30pm on Oct 13, 2026. Nashik : After reported disruptions to traffic signals, CCTV surveillance and other civic services in Nashik, the state power distribution utility has decided to exempt the city from its new power-management arrangement aimed at tackling the sharp spike in evening electricity demand.
Since there is no agriculture load provided power to in the evening from which emergency load relief could be obtained and also in rural areas already power supply is under distress, the MSEDCL has decided to delay the lighting to street lights in urban areas excluding Mumbai, thus managing the crisis hour,” the official said. However, the move triggered traffic snarls and public inconvenience in Nashik, prompting a strong protest from the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC). Essential services such as public toilets, public gardens, traffic signals, and CCTV systems connected to these meters were severely affected during daytime operations. This disrupted traffic management, hampered street repair work, and caused immense inconvenience to citizens using services. “It’s pan-India problem. Managing the grid frequency during the switchover period in the evening peak hours is a critical technical task, failing which could lead to grid collapse.