Lucknow, June 30 (Inditop.com) The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (UPPCL) has proposed restriction on use of air conditioners (AC) for all categories of consumers, including government offices, to counter the electricity crisis in the state, officials said Tuesday.

The UPPCL has sought permission from the UP Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) on banning the use of ACs in government offices in the wake of the huge demand-supply gap of power in the state.

In its proposal, the UPPCL has asked the UPERC to restrict use of air conditioners for general consumers from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. while a complete ban on the use of ACs has been sought for the government offices, the officials said.

The UPPCL has also proposed to restrict the use of power gulping neon bulbs from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The UPERC is expected to take a decision over the UPPCL proposal within two days.

According to UPPCL director Arun, the restrictions if allowed by the UPERC would remain in place for the next two months if the situation does not improve.

“However, the restrictions can be revoked earlier also if the demand-supply gap decreases due to favourable weather conditions or otherwise,” said Arun, who goes by only his first name.

According to officials, there is a requirement of about 9,000 MW in the state during the peak hours but presently the government is able to provide only 7,700 MW.