Gangtok is set to face its most significant planned power shutdown this month, with Perbing and Phodong residents bracing for a 5.5-hour blackout from 11 PM on June 24 to 4:30 AM on June 25. The Tadong Power Division confirmed the extended outage is necessary for critical upgrades at the 66KV Control Room in 5th Mile, Tadong, a move aimed at preventing future breakdowns during peak monsoon storms.
The Longest Planned Outage of the Year
While most affected areas, including Tadong, Deorali, and Gangtok-2, will experience only one-hour nightly outages between June 18 and 23, Perbing and Phodong will endure the most prolonged disruption. Officials say the work cannot be delayed, as Sikkim’s aging power infrastructure struggles to keep up with increasing demand and extreme weather.
Why This Upgrade Can’t Wait
Sikkim’s power grid has been under strain for years. In April 2025, a single storm left parts of Gangtok without electricity for over 12 hours, triggering public outrage. Data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) shows that India’s power deficit is expected to worsen by 2027, making upgrades urgent.
The 66 kV Control Room at 5th Mile, Tadong, serves as a critical hub for electricity distribution across Gangtok and nearby regions. Engineers will replace outdated circuit breakers and install advanced monitoring systems to reduce outage risks during heavy rains.
“This is not just maintenance, it’s an emergency fix,” said a senior Power Department official, speaking anonymously. “If we delay, the entire grid could fail during the next major storm.”
Survival Guide: How Perbing & Phodong Can Prepare
With nearly six hours of darkness expected, residents must take precautions. Here’s a step-by-step plan:
1. Medical & Emergency Readiness
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Charge all essential medical devices (oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines) in advance.
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Keep emergency numbers saved offline.
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Hospitals in Gangtok have been alerted, but delays in ambulance services are possible.
2. Food & Water Storage
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Freeze water bottles to keep refrigerators cold longer.
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Stock ready-to-eat meals (noodles, biscuits, fruits).
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Fill buckets with water for flushing toilets in case the water pumps fail.
3. Security Measures
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Use battery-powered motion sensor lights to deter theft.
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Neighbourhood watch groups are being organized via WhatsApp.
4. Staying Connected
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Keep power banks fully charged.
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Download offline maps (Google Maps allows you to do this).
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Use car chargers if needed.
Public Anger & Official Response
Many residents are frustrated. “Why always at night? Students have exams, and the elderly suffer in the cold,” said Tenzing Bhutia, a Phodong shopkeeper. Social media is flooded with complaints, recalling the March 2024 blackout that lasted seven hours, far beyond the promised three.
The Power Department insists this shutdown will stick to schedule. “We’ve deployed extra teams to ensure work finishes on time,” said Divisional Engineer R. P. Sharma.
Yet, distrust remains. Locals demand real-time SMS alerts, not just Facebook updates, after past notifications arrived late.
Bigger Than Just One Blackout
This upgrade is part of a larger push to stabilize Sikkim’s grid. By 2026, the state plans to integrate battery storage for hydroelectric power, reducing reliance on fragile transmission lines.
For now, the focus is on June 24-25. “If this goes smoothly, future outages will be shorter and rarer,” Sharma said.
Final Advice: Plan, Stay Safe
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Double-check flashlights and batteries.
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Avoid unnecessary travel during the outage.
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Report emergencies to the Power Helpline: [Insert Number].
As Gangtok prepares for a rare overnight blackout, officials urge patience. “This pain now means fewer surprises later,” said Sharma. “We’re building a stronger Sikkim.”
