Crossword Genius

Command less authority, when without electricity? (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

power cut

'when without electricity?' is the definition.
(electricity is unavailable in a power cut)

'command less authority' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'authority' could be 'power' (I've seen this before) and 'power' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'cut' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

(Other definitions for power cut that I've seen before include "Loss of electricity" , "blackout" , "Go-getter's hairstyle" , "Failure" , "Interruption in electricity supply" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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