The Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) has raised the upper time limit of load shedding in rural areas from four hours to five hours and in urban areas from three hours to four hours.
According to chairman Asoke Basak, the move is in the wake of a 2,000 mw power deficit during peak hours. Maharashtra has been facing load shedding since September 2002.
On the frequent power failures in the state, Basak said:
