Summary
Residents and business owners in parts of Old Goa and the Kadamba Plateau should prepare for planned power outages this week. The electricity department has announced that power will be cut on April 29 and April 30, 2026, to allow for urgent maintenance work. These shutdowns are scheduled to last for five hours each day, starting in the morning and ending in the early afternoon. This work is necessary to ensure the local power grid remains reliable and safe for everyone in the area.
Main Impact
The primary impact of these power cuts will be felt by local schools, residential colonies, and essential services along the Kadamba Highway. For five hours on Wednesday and Thursday, electricity will be unavailable, which may affect daily routines, water pumping systems, and internet connectivity. Since the outages happen during standard business and school hours, people working from home or attending classes will need to make alternative arrangements. Local businesses, including a major gas station and various housing societies, will also need to manage their operations without grid power during these windows.
Key Details
What Happened
The electricity department issued a formal notice regarding a scheduled power shutdown for the 11 KV Kadamba Feeder. This feeder serves a large and growing part of the region. The department explained that the shutdown is required to perform "urgent maintenance works." This usually involves checking high-voltage lines, trimming tree branches that might touch the wires, and ensuring that transformers are in good working order. By doing this work now, the department hopes to prevent unexpected blackouts or equipment failure during the hotter months or the monsoon season.
Important Numbers and Facts
The shutdown is divided into two separate days, targeting different sections of the Kadamba Feeder. On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the power will be off from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The areas affected on this day include Sunshine School, the West Coast Gas Station, and the Narendra Maharaj Math. Other locations losing power include Four Seasons, Kurish Milagrin Church, the Handicap School, a major residential colony near the highway, Navelkar Valley, and the Surya Hill Building. The general vicinity of the Kadamba Highway in Old Goa Village will also be affected.
On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the second phase of the shutdown will occur during the same hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This phase will impact the Kadamba Plateau area. Specific locations include Naik Navare, Viva Goa, the Kadamba Housing Society, and the ICAI building. Additionally, Chimbel Properties, Uttam Darshan, Salle 59 (Navelkar Pride), Harbans Vihar, and Belmonte will face power cuts. The department aims to restore power by 2:00 p.m. each day, provided the maintenance tasks are completed on time.
Background and Context
The Kadamba Plateau and the areas surrounding Old Goa have seen a lot of growth in recent years. Many new housing societies and educational institutions have been built there. This growth puts more pressure on the existing electrical infrastructure. The 11 KV Kadamba Feeder is a critical piece of equipment that carries high-voltage electricity to local transformers, which then lower the voltage for use in homes and offices. Regular maintenance is a standard part of managing a power grid. It helps identify weak spots in the system before they cause a major breakdown. In a tropical climate like Goa, factors such as heat and vegetation growth can quickly affect power lines, making these "urgent" checks very important for long-term stability.
Public or Industry Reaction
While planned power cuts are often seen as an inconvenience, most residents prefer them over sudden, long-lasting outages. Local school administrators and business managers have noted that having a day's notice allows them to prepare. For example, schools can adjust their schedules, and residential societies can ensure their backup generators are fueled and ready. Some residents have expressed concerns about the timing, as 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. covers the most productive part of the day. However, the general consensus is that maintaining the grid is a necessary step to avoid larger problems in the future.
What This Means Going Forward
Those living or working in the affected areas should take a few simple steps to prepare. It is a good idea to charge all laptops, mobile phones, and power banks on the night before the shutdown. Since water pumps usually run on electricity, residents should fill their overhead tanks before 9:00 a.m. to ensure they have enough water for the day. For those with refrigerators, keeping the doors closed as much as possible during the five-hour window will help keep food cold. Once the maintenance is finished, the electricity department expects the grid to be more resilient, reducing the chance of accidental trips or damage to home appliances caused by unstable voltage.
Final Take
Maintenance is a vital part of keeping a modern community running. While the five-hour gap in service on April 29 and 30 will require some planning, it is a proactive move by the electricity department to keep the Kadamba Plateau and Old Goa connected safely. Residents are encouraged to stay patient while the crews work to improve the local power infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact times for the power shutdown?
The power will be turned off from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on both Wednesday, April 29, and Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Which major areas will be affected on the first day?
On April 29, the shutdown will mainly affect areas near the Kadamba Highway in Old Goa, including Sunshine School, the West Coast Gas Station, and several residential buildings like Navelkar Valley.
Why is the electricity department cutting the power?
The shutdown is necessary to carry out urgent maintenance on the 11 KV Kadamba Feeder to ensure the system remains reliable and to prevent future equipment failure.
