From Darkness to light (and back..)

They say that knowledge enlightens and removes obstacles. Its true that mankind has been really benefitted by knowledge and the boons have benefitted millions. ( banes can be addressed in different posting). We had a lesson in junior college about how innovation and knowledge helps econmony and progress. (will need to find details though as i dont recollect those). Having said that in our school days we used to hear claims of 100% electrification of states. Hariyana was the first and maharashta was very close. During our treks to remotest corners of Maharashtra, i used to admire the board to make electricity available for even a small temple on a very high and inaccessabe fort. Blackouts were rare and we used to yearn for those 1-2 hrs which used to give us opportunity to move away from studies and play some antakshari etc. I can recollect this to happen once a month maybe. And whole day electricity outage was only in industrial zones, though i recollect friday outs in Dombivali etc. Though definitely not impeccable services, i dont recollect load shedding being done anytime till 2004 as blatantly as it is these day...
Why this total mismanagement of demand Vs supply, why no one is able to throw any light on the schedules (no pun intended), its absolutely pathetic.. No capacities were added, no planning was done
I can understand argument about unplanned growth in demand. But this demand cannot be created overnight. Why are we giving new connections when we cannot service old (that does not mean i support ,new connections not to be given) But its simple planning, some foresight and mainly initiative. Why cannnot governments be proactive and stop pay only lip services.
No point is hitting the usual suspect as all of us surely are just pointing out mistakes:
what government needs to do is something i feel need experts to contribute. Promising you of some research and immediate action points..
Here are my 5 cents on what can we do and how we can improve situation individually:

• Use of alternate electricity sources: solar , Bgas; Government subsidizes the equipment and loans etc. (promising a new posting dedicated to it)
• Creating watchdog units in the city to pressurise the board to structure and schedule the laod shedding timings and execution.
• Gensets and UPS are inevitable for businesses. Pooling up in small/mid segment companies to share the backup.
• Creating a platform (online) for power saving suggestions and sharing marketplace.
• Implementing power saving initiatives extensively.
• Pray to lord of knowledge that govt starts micro and macro level planning.

My story also has a long fight against load shedding. 13th dec 2004 was the date when my most significant associate landed from US to explore giving me a business opportunity. Load shedding in Pune stared from that very date. Right from that day when i managed to take him in office during non load shedding hrs, 2 years i fought and did well to innovate working timings , UPS backups, seminar sessions, to manage show and finally my big contract went into next level of stakeholding on very date in 2006 that Pune model was introduced to remove load shedding.

seems like we are back towards darkness, but guys need to fight this. We cannot giveup..

Please note though its a minor (though significant) problem for individuals, spare a though for small entrepreuners whose livelihood depends on this problem. As a society we should give due to emerging entrepreuners..