Guwahati, Aug. 24: Large parts of the city today reeled under power cuts after a "system failure" at Chandrapur grid sub-station.

Power cuts ranging from one hour to three hours affected several localities like Noonmati, Bamunimaidam, Chandmari, Kahilipara, Basistha, Jalukbari, Six Mile, Ulubari and Garbhanga.

According to the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), a "system failure" at Chandrapur grid sub-station around 1.30pm led to loadshedding in eastern parts like Noonmati, Bamunimaidam and Chandmari. An APDCL official said the snag was repaired in the evening.

"Another technical snag that developed in a unit of Bongaigaon Thermal Power Station two days ago added to our woes," another official said. He said the loss of supply from the Bongaigaon unit led to a shortfall of 80MW to 90MW. "The APDCL is trying to make up the deficit by procuring power from the open market," he said.

"Power supply had to be suspended in Ulubari and adjoining areas because of sparks from an electric line on Piyali Phukan Road when rain accompanied by strong winds lashed the city this afternoon. Some city localities like Kahilipara experienced power cuts today because of repairing of faults and scheduled maintenance of power lines," he said.

The unannounced power cuts are causing inconvenience to residents at a time when state power minister Pallab Lochan Das is facing flak for inefficient handling of the power department.

The minister and the APDCL have faced a barrage of criticism after more than 30 people were electrocuted in the state in the past couple of months with the Congress demanding Das's resignation.