AMID complaints of recurring power cuts across the city, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking on Tuesday admitted that its 12-year austerity drive, along with no recruitments and investment in the electricity wing, was leading to the virtual collapse of its electric department.

It is now drawing up a Rs 20 crore plan and deploying special personnel and equipment to deal with surging power outages. The undertaking is also taking bus drivers and mechanics from the transport department on loan to assist in power-related operations.