New Delhi: It's the worst power crisis in recent times in the capital with areas remaining without power for eight to 10 hours a day.
Residents of Saket in south Delhi and Dilshad Garden in east Delhi took to the street in the middle of night, protesting against power supplier BSES.
The power situation is in a bad shape in almost all areas of the capital.
Every night, the terrace becomes the bedroom for the Kumars. Power cuts make it unbearable to sleep inside the house. The family lives in Dwarka in west Delhi where loadshedding can last up to 10 hours a day, and complaints to the BSES, the power supplier, has been of no use.
"It starts from 9 am and goes on for seven to eight times a day. There is water problem as well as tanks can barely be filled up," said Radha, housewife.
"Trying to lodge a complaint is also so hard. Sometimes we have to hold on to a line for 25 minutes," said Sushil Kumar, resident, west Delhi.
On the other side of the city, in Mayur Vihar in east Delhi, it's the same story. With power cuts of six to seven hours, there is no option but to come out to the streets when there is load shedding. It is sweltering outside too, but better than in the house.
"Specially in my area, the situation in critical at night. Now there has been a cut for at least two hours. Thank god tomorrow is a Sunday. If it was Monday, would have been very difficult," said Chandrashekhar, resident, east Delhi.
The severe power crisis is giving Delhi sleepless nights, and it is affecting business as well. Back-up power in call centres for instance has pushed up costs. That's why some call centres shut down on weekends to save on power.
The only hope is rain, and the prayers are on.