Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) organised a State-level Electricity Consumer Cells (ECCs) meeting on November 07, 2019, at The Raj Park, Chennai. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the progress of the ECCs and to understand the various challenges faced by the ECCs functioning in Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, and Vellore districts.

Mr. Vishnu Mohan Rao, Senior Researcher, CAG, welcomed all the participants. He explained the importance of conducting the meeting which is to summarise the progress of ECCs from January 2019 to October 2019. 

Image 1: Mr. Vishnu Mohan Rao, explaining agenda of the meeting

Mr. G.N.Bharath Ram, Researcher, CAG, gave a presentation on the progress of all ECCs between January 2019 to October 2019. All the seven ECCs received a total number of 741 complaints during the above mentioned period, which included domestic, commercial and small scale industries, and agricultural consumers. He listed out the outreach meetings and capacity building programmes conducted by ECCs. As of October 2019, there are 2,688 consumers who are the beneficiaries through these programmes.

Image 2: Mr. G. N. Bharath Ram, speaking about the progress of ECCs

Mr. Balaji M K., Researcher, CAG, presented a multi-aspect detailed analysis about consumer advisories viz. 1) Status of complaints - resolved, pending and closed; 2) Nature of complaints - billing related, meter related, service related, power quality related, infrastructures related, and miscellaneous complaints; 3) Gender-wise - complaints registered by male, female and transgender complainants; 4) Based on consumer categories - domestic, commercial, small scale industries, agricultural. He also explained about other activities such as puppet shows for creating awareness, training programme for college students.  

Image 3: Mr. Balaji M K., explaining the progress of ECCs

Mr. Selvaraj, Chairman, Federation of Consumer Organisations Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry (FEDCOT) shared experiences of ECC Tiruvallur in resolving consumer complaints. He mentioned that TANGEDCO officials are encouraging the work of ECC and also maintaining  a healthy relationship. He also explained about the positive responses received from the electricity consumers.  

Mr. Radhakrishnan, ECC Advisor, Cuddalore explained about the difficulties faced in organising outreach and capacity building programmes in rural parts of Cuddalore district. He also explained about the complaints that involved other local bodies  e.g. street light issues.

Mr. Shanmugam, ECC Advisor, Tirunelveli, shared his experience in resolving infrastructure related complaints e.g. distribution line crossing near school buildings, dislocation of high voltage junction box which is highly dangerous. He also mentioned the outreach of ECC in the wide spread Tirunelveli district.

Mr. Ramaperumal, Director, Sadayanodai Ilaignar Narpani Mandram (SINAM), gave a presentation on work done by ECC Tiruvannamalai in solving consumer issues. He also shared experiences in resolving agricultural consumer issues and creating awareness about solar agricultural pumpsets.

Mr. J. M. Bhoopathi, Founder, Consumer Voice Foundation, Salem, spoke about the consumer rights in contacting the TANGEDCO section office to resolve complaints. He emphasised the importance of consumer participation for the betterment of the electricity sector and remarked that the capacity building programmes for the different categories of consumers play a significant role in improving the quality of consumer participation. 

Ms. Kumari T, Managing Trustee, National Level Educational and Training Trust (NEST) shared her experience in organising outreach meetings and capacity building programmes. She explained the cordial responses from the consumers side as well as the TANGEDCO side.

Ms. Vanaja, Director, People’s Action Service Society (PASS) shared her experience in approaching TANGEDCO officials for redressal of consumer complaints. She also explained about difficulties in engaging different categories of consumers. 

Mr. Jeya Kumar R, Researcher, CAG, gave a presentation on KUSUM (Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Scheme. He gave an overview on all the three components of the scheme such as 1) Component A - grid connected solar or any other renewable energy plants; 2) Component B - standalone solar agriculture pumps; 3) Component C - solarisation of grid-connected agriculture pumps. 

Image 4: Mr. Jeya Kumar R, presenting about KUSUM scheme

Mr. Nagesh Kumar J, Director, Centre for Energy, Environment and Productivity (CEEP) gave a talk on passive buildings. He explained the role of building materials and passive construction techniques in energy conservation. He also added the importance of renewable energy for a better future.

Mr. Vishnu Mohan Rao, Senior Researcher, CAG concluded the meeting with a vote of thanks.

CAG, in association with ECCs, organised puppet shows on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy on July 21, 2019 (Usambadi Village,Tiruvannamalai), July 22, 2019 (Shanmuga Para Medical College,Salem), July 23, 2019 (Palayurmedu,Trichy), September 16, 2019  (Attupakkam Village, Vellore District), September 17, 2019 (Sree Raghavendra Arts & Science College, Cuddalore), September 24, 2019 (St. Xavier College of Education,Tirunelveli), October 21, 2019 (Bhaktavatsalam Memorial College for Women, Korattur), October 22, 2019 (Government High School,Tiruvannamalai district), October 24, 2019 (Bharathidasan Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Tiruvallur) & (Government High School, Korattur), November 11, 2019 (Madras University, Chennai).

The puppet show (in Tamil) was staged by Kalaiarapperavai Kalaivanan Kuzhu on the topics such as importance of energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy. 

The puppet show was aimed to educate electricity consumers on the various energy efficiency,  conservation, electrical safety, and renewable energy tips at the household level. The event showcased the need for consumers to buy Indian Standard Institute (ISI) certified electrical wires for the houses. In addition, the need to buy Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) star rated energy-efficient appliances such as television, refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner (AC), etc. were highlighted. Further, various tips to conserve energy such as switching off the plug points to avoid consumption of power in standby mode, unplugging of the mobile charger from the socket when not in use were showcased through the puppet show. The puppet show also outlined the benefits of solar energy, the process of installing a rooftop solar, and the importance of installing a net meter. The participants included residential consumers, small shopkeepers, farmers, and students.

A few photographs from the puppet shows:

Electricity Consumer Cells (ECCs) conducted capacity building meetings on energy governance in the month of August 2019 at 

1. Shanmuga Mini AC Hall, Salem, on 4 August 2019

Speakers: 

• Boopathi.J.M, Founder of consumer voice foundation,
• Prabakaran.L, Coordinator, ECC - Salem,
• Jayaraman, Advisor, ECC - Salem,
• Jeyakumar, Researcher, CAG
• Sivakumar, NIRT Renewable Energy,
• Sribaskar, Coordinator, ECC - Salem 

2. Gomath Thirumana Mandapam, Mukkudal, Tirunelveli on 18 August 2019

Speakers:

• Venkatachalam, President, Tirunelveli Maavata Nugarvor Urimai Paadhukaapu Sangam,
• Muthusamy, Coordinator, ECC - Tirunelveli
• Shanmugam, Advisor, ECC - Tirunelveli,
• Balaji, Researcher, CAG,
• Anto Jeyaraj, GreenTech Solar,
• Ganapathi Subramaniyan, FEDCOT, District Secretary.

3. Yelagiri Hall, Vellore on 21 August 2019

Speakers:

• Kumari.T, Managing trustee, National Level Educational and Training Trust
• Radhakrishnan, Rotary Club Head,
• Bharath Ram, Researcher, CAG,
• Dhivya, ECC Engineer, CAG,
• Kumar, Junior Engineer, TANGEDCO, Technical Training and Development Center, Sholinghur
• Ganesh, Luminous Solar
• Jayapal, Advisor, ECC - Vellore

4. Suriya Thirumana Mandapam, Thandrampattu, Tiruvannamalai on 22 August 2019

Speakers:

• Rama Perumal, Director, Sadayanodai Ilaignar Narpani Mandram (SINAM)
• Bharath Ram, Researcher, CAG
• Dhivya, ECC Engineer, CAG,
• Anandhan, Advisor, ECC - Tiruvanamalai
• Ashok Kumar, Coordinator, ECC - Tiruvanamalai

5. Aurobindo School Meeting Hall, Neyveli, Cuddalore on 25 August 2019

Speakers:

• Selvaraj, Chairman, Federation of Consumer Organisations Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry (FEDCOT)
• Muthukumarasamy,
• Ganga, Self-help Group, Neyveli
• Selvi, Self-help Group, Neyveli
• Raj Kumar, Solar Developer, Chidambaram
• Radhakrishnan, Advisor, ECC - Cuddalore

6. Sivapunniya Thirumana Mahal, Trichy, on 26 August 2019. 

Speakers:

• Vanaja, Director, People’s Action Service Society (PASS)
• Velusamy, Advisor, ECC - Trichy
• Bharath Ram, Researcher, CAG
• Dhivya, ECC Engineer, CAG
• Loganathan, Trichy Electronics 
• Prakash, Coordinator, ECC - Trichy.

Image 1: Participants in the capacity building meeting in Vellore

Topics covered in all districts: 

The objective of the meetings was to educate consumers on energy governance, rights of consumers in the electricity sector, and to create awareness about ECCs. 

Image 2: Mr. Venkatachalam, President, TMNUPS, speaking to the participants about ECCs

In all meetings, the heads of the organisations welcomed the participants and explained about ECCs’ functions. Respective Advisors spoke to participants on various consumer-related queries. Researchers and ECC Engineers from CAG made a presentation on the importance of consumer participation in the electricity sector. In addition, TANGEDCO officials delivered their thoughts and clarified queries raised by the participants. ECC Coordinators concluded the sessions with a vote of thanks.  

Image 3: Mr. Kumar, Junior Engineer, TANGEDCO, Technical Training and Development Center, Sholingur explaining the importance of earthing process

Image 4: Mr. Jeyakumar discussing importance of star rated appliances

The important points that were discussed during the meetings include:

1. Importance of earthing process and certain tips on handling the unearthed equipment; 

2. Discussion on the theft of power and how to identify power theft; 

3. A detailed presentation on energy efficiency and energy conservation practices at the household level;

4. The difference between the power consumption in star-rated and non-star-rated appliances and other important parameters such as year mentioned in the star label. CAG staff advised participants to buy appliances with the highest star ratings as they consume less power.

5. The advisors clarified questions raised by participants on tariff calculation for commercial and residential consumers, street light issues, name transfer, meter-related issues, agricultural connections, etc. 

6. At Thiruvannamalai, Mr. Suthagar from Optimum Energy Solar system (OESS) gave a demo on the usage of solar power in households. He said that using a renewable source of energy reduces dependence on non-renewable sources such as coal-powered plants and also reduces environmental impacts. He mentioned that the use of solar power will significantly reduce electricity bills. He explained the difference between on-grid and off-grid solar rooftop systems. He clarified questions raised by consumers on installation costs, required rooftop area, and its payback period. 

Image 5: Mr. Anandhan, Advisor, ECC-Tiruvannamalai, clarifying consumer queries

Image 6: Mr. Suthagar demonstrating the working of solar

Electricity Consumer Cells (ECCs) conducted capacity building meetings on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy in the month of October 2019 at:

1. Tamilnadu Social Service Society (TASOSS) hall, Sangillyandapuram, Trichy on 19 October 2019;

Speakers:

• Vanaja, Director, People’s Action Service Society (PASS)
• Velusamy, Advisor, ECC - Trichy
• Balaji, Researcher, CAG
• Loganathan, Trichy Electronics 
• Prakash, Coordinator, ECC - Trichy.

2. Grand Lyon Community Hall, Redhills, Tiruvallur on 19 October 2019;

Speakers:

• Selvaraj, Chairman, Federation of Consumer Organisations Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry (FEDCOT)
• Dhanraj, Coordinator, ECC - Tiruvallur
• Nagarajan, Organiser, ECC - Tiruvallur,
• Dhivya, ECC Engineer, CAG,
• Bharath Ram, Researcher, CAG
• Rajendran, Solar developer, 
• Ashokan, Advisor, ECC - Salem

3. Tamil Nadu Min Amaiparlargal Mathiya Sangam (TMAMS), Salem on 20 October 2019;

Speakers:

• Boopathi.J.M, Founder of Consumer Voice Foundation,
• Prabakaran.L, Coordinator, ECC - Salem,
• Jayaraman, Advisor, ECC - Salem,
• Balaji, Researcher, CAG
• Saravanan, NIRT Renewable Energy,
• Sribaskar, Coordinator, ECC - Salem 

4. Muslim Girls Higher secondary school, Tirunelveli on 30 October 2019; 

Speakers:

• Venkatachalam, President, Tirunelveli Maavata Nugarvor Urimai Paadhukaapu Sangam,
• Muthusamy, Coordinator, ECC - Tirunelveli
• Shanmugam, Advisor, ECC - Tirunelveli,
• Balaji, Researcher, CAG,
• Denish Venu, Assistant Engineer, Melapalayam, Tirunelveli
• Anto Jeyaraj, GreenTech Solar,
• Ganapathi Subramaniyan, FEDCOT, District Secretary.

5. MKG Thirumana mandapam, Mangalam, Tiruvanamalai on 22 October 2019.

Speakers:

• Rama Perumal, Director, Sadayanodai Ilaignar Narpani Mandram (SINAM)
• Dhivya, ECC Engineer, CAG,
• Anandhan, Advisor, ECC - Tiruvanamalai
• Ashok Kumar, Coordinator, ECC - Tiruvanamalai

Image 1 - Participants at the Trichy capacity building meeting

Topics covered in all districts:

The objective of the meeting was to create awareness and educate consumers to conserve energy through behavioural changes and the use of energy-efficient appliances. Consumers from the domestic, commercial, and agricultural sector participated in the meetings.

Image 2: Mr. Nagarajan, Organiser, ECC - Tiruvallur welcoming the participants and gave objective of the meeting

In all meetings, the heads of the organisations welcomed the participants and explained about ECC functions. Respective Advisors spoke to participants on various consumer-related queries and ECC’s relationship with Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd. (TANGEDCO) officials in resolving consumer problems. Researchers and ECC Engineers from CAG made a presentation on the importance of energy conservation, energy efficiency and Renewable energy. In addition, TANGEDCO officials delivered their thoughts and suggested consumers follow behavioural changes to conserve electricity. ECC Coordinators concluded the sessions with a vote of thanks.

Image 3: Mr. S.D. Denish Venu clarifying doubts regarding security deposits

Image 4: Mr. Balaji M.K. making a presentation on energy conservation at the household level

The important points that were discussed during the meetings include:

1. Details about additional security deposits;

2. The procedure for the name transfer;

3. A detailed presentation on energy efficiency and energy conservation practices at the household level;

4. Behavioural practices that can help conserve energy such as usage of air conditioner at 24 °C to 26 °C, leaving space around the refrigerator, switching off appliances when not in use, etc; 

5. Conservation practices for various electrical appliances such as lighting, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc., were also discussed;

6. The advisors clarified questions raised by participants on meter-related problems, billing-related problems, agriculture pump sets, etc;

7. At Trichy, Mr. Loganathan from Trichy Electronics gave a demo on the usage of solar power in households. He spoke about the advantages of solar applications and showcased various appliances like solar lights and emergency lamps that run on solar power. He also explained the benefits of setting up rooftop solar in household premises.

Image 5: Mr. Anandhan, Advisor, ECC-Tiruvannamalai, clarifying consumers queries

Image 6: Mr. Loganathan from Trichy Electronics demonstrating the appliances run on solar power

Electricity Consumer Cells (ECCs) conducted capacity building meetings on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy in the month of November  2019 at 

1. Panchayat meeting hall, Thorapadi, Panruti, Cuddalore on 21 November 2019 

Speakers:

• Selvaraj, Chairman, Federation of Consumer Organisations Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry (FEDCOT)
• Balaji, Researcher, CAG
• Arul Selvan, Assistant Engineer, Pudhupettai,
• Thirugnanam from Phocos India Solar Pvt. Ltd.
• Radhakrishnan, Advisor, ECC - Cuddalore
• Ambigapathy, Coordinator, ECC - Cuddalore

2. Shakthi Mahal, Sholinghur, Arakkonam on 22 November .2019

Speakers:

• Kumari.T, Managing trustee, National Level Educational and Training Trust
• Bharath Ram, Researcher, CAG,
• Dhivya, ECC Engineer, CAG,
• Shankar, Assistant Executive Engineer, TANGEDCO
• Ganesh, Luminous Solar
• Balaraman, Advisor, ECC - Vellore

Image 1: Participants at the Vellore capacity building meeting

Topics covered in all districts:

The objective of the meeting was to create awareness and educate consumers to conserve energy through behavioural changes and the use of energy-efficient appliances. Consumers from the domestic, commercial, and agricultural sector participated in the meetings.

Image 2: Mr. Selvaraj, Chairman, FEDCOT, explaining the functions of ECC

In all meetings, the heads of the organisations welcomed the participants and explained about ECCs’ functions. Respective Advisors spoke to participants on various consumer-related queries and ECC’s relationship with Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd. (TANGEDCO) officials in resolving consumer problems and ECCs liaison with the TANGEDCO officials to address grievances. Researchers and ECC Engineers from CAG made a presentation on the importance of energy conservation, energy efficiency and Renewable energy. In addition, TANGEDCO officials delivered their thoughts and suggested consumers follow behavioural changes to conserve electricity. ECC Coordinators concluded the sessions with a vote of thanks.
 

Image 3: Mr. P. Sankar, AEE, TANGEDCO, speaking to consumers on agricultural connections

Image 4: Mr. Balaji presenting about efficient use of electrical appliances at the household level

The important points that were discussed during the meetings include:

1. The resource persons clarified queries raised by consumers on electricity billing, agricultural connections, placement of electricity meter, subsidy for pumps, LED bulbs, etc;

2. CAG team members gave a detailed presentation on energy efficiency and energy conservation practices at the household level;

3. The presentation focused on the efficient use of electrical appliances, eg., replacing old incandescent lamps with LED lamps, old inefficient fans with super-efficient fans, using a star rated appliances for air conditioning, refrigerator, washing machine, etc;

4. The advisors clarified questions raised by participants on the procedure for name transfer, street light problems, tariff-related queries, etc;

5. At Cuddalore, Mr. Thirugnanam from Phocos India Solar Pvt. Ltd., gave a demo on the usage of solar power in households. He demonstrated the functioning of the solar lighting system and explained the cost involved in installing a rooftop solar system. He also gave an overview of agricultural pumps working on solar energy.

Image 5: Mr. Thirugnanam from Phocos India Solar Pvt. Ltd., demonstrating the working of lights with solar power

Electricity Consumer Cells (ECCs) have conducted nine outreach meetings in the month of July in Oragadam (Tiruvallur), Keelamungiladi (Cuddalore), Joseph Matriculation School, Palayamkottai (Tirunelveli), Veeralakshmi School (Salem), Thenmathur & Narthampoodi (Tiruvannamalai), Mutharasanallur & Manamedu (Tiruchirappalli), Arakkonam (Vellore).

The participants included residential consumers, small shopkeepers, farmers and few schools and college students. Mr. Ashokan, Advisor, ECC Tiruvallur explained the objectives of conducting the outreach programme. 

Mr. Anandan, Advisor, ECC Tiruvannamalai, informed the participants about functions of ECCs and its office bearers. He discussed a poster designed by CAG on the sanctioning powers for the TANGEDCO officials. i.e., if there is an enhancement of capacity in the transformer it will be sanctioned by the chairman of TANGEDCO. The participants expressed an interest in knowing more details about the poster.  

Mr.Sivakumar, Joint Engineer, TANGEDCO had a discussion with the participants about their concerns, for example, frequent power fluctuation during the night time,  calculation of the bill amount mentioned in the white meter card. 

Mr.Raman, Optimumam Energy SOLAR System, explained basic information such as how sun rays are converted to solar energy with the help of solar panel. He explained the process for installing the rooftop solar, with the help of a solar demo-kit,. During the outreach meetings, 15 consumers expressed interest in installing rooftop solar in their house. The participants clarified their questions on the warranty, guarantee, subsidy, and maintenance of the rooftop solar. The outreach meetings create an opportunity for solar developers to create awareness on solar energy among consumers.

At the end of the session, few participants registered their complaints on 1) Mr.A, from Trichy, registered a complaint on non-availability of the street light post in Manamedu Village, Trichy, for which Mr.Velusami, Advisor, ECC-Trichy, informed the consumer to submit a letter to the local body; 2) Mr.B, domestic consumer registered a complaint about delay in taking meter reading by the assessor in B.Mutlur village, Cuddalore. Mr. Radhakrishan, Advisor, ECC Cuddalore advised the consumer to submit a written complaint to the section office about the complaint with the photocopy of the white meter card; 3) Mr.C, from Arakkanom, said they had received a pamphlet from the Assessor “to pay the additional security deposit”. Mr. Jayapal, Advisor, ECC-Vellore, gave an example of the calculation of security deposits.  

Electricity Consumer Cells (ECCs) have conducted outreach meetings in the month of August in Tiruninravur (Tiruvallur), Govt. Arts College, Viruthachalam (Cuddalore), Perumalpuram (Tirunelveli), Sakthi Nagar Annex (Salem), Inam Kariyanthal and  Devanampattu (Tiruvannamalai), Milagu Parai & Ariyampatti (Tiruchirappalli), Thakkolam and Sayanapuram (Vellore).

Mr.Shanmugam, Advisor, ECC-Tirunelveli explained the purpose of conducting outreach meetings in different areas of the district. Residential consumers, residential welfare associations, small scale handloom industry workers, college students attended the meeting.

 Mr. Velusami, Advisor, ECC-Trichy, explained the types of complaints registered in ECCs and described the process of solving the complaints by the ECCs. He explained the roles and responsibilities of TANGEDCO officials and their hierarchy, with the help of the poster designed by CAG. For example, if a consumer applies to get a new agriculture connection, he should submit the application to the Executive Engineer who is responsible for approving the application. On a regular basis, consumers often contact the lineman, meet the assessor while taking the meter reading, and meet the Assistant Engineer for submitting the application. 

Mr.Damodaran, Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO interacted with the participants on the area-level problems and provided solutions to participants’ complaints. People will complain about their queries on frequent power fluctuation, power shut down, meter problem. 

Mr. Praveen, NIRT Renewable Energy Private Ltd., explained the various sources of power generation available in Tamil Nadu. He gave a comparison between non-renewable sources vs renewable sources with simple examples. He explained the benefit of installing a rooftop solar for domestic and commercial consumers, especially those who are paying bi-monthly bills above 1000 units. 

At the end of the session, few participants registered complaints on  the following: 

1) Mr.X from Tiruninravur registered a complaint about a damaged pole next to his house. Mr. Ashokan, Advisor, ECC-Tiruvallur inspected the pole after the outreach meeting and explained the process to the consumer. The consumer should write a complaint to the local body, after receiving the complaint the local body will direct the complaint to  TANGEDCO for replacement of the damaged pole.2) Mr.Shanmugam, Advisor, ECC-Tirunelveli advised Mr.Y the steps of name transfer for his connection, he informed the consumer to submit the valid documents - white meter card, legal heir certificate, aadhar card along with the application to the Assistant Engineer, Perumalpuram.3) Mr.Z, from Devenampattu, registered a billing-related complaint with Mr. Anandan, Advisor, ECC-Tiruvannamalai. He advised the consumer to file a complaint with the Assistant Engineer, Northampoondy requesting for the reason for overcharging. 

Electricity Consumer Cells (ECCs) have conducted outreach meetings in the month of September at Vepampet and Sekkadu (Tiruvallur), Panchayat Office, Bhuvanagiri (Cuddalore), Kavitha Nagar, V.M.Chatram (Tirunelveli), Maniyanoor and Yercaud (Salem), Vaniyanthangal and Madalambadi (Tiruvannamalai), Kamanayakkanpalayam and Kurichi (Tiruchirappalli), Aathur (Vellore).

Mr. Jeyaraman, Advisor, ECC-Salem, explained the aim of conducting the outreach programme to the participants, which included municipality workers, few small shopkeepers, farmers, and domestic consumers.

Mr. Shanmugam, Advisor, ECC-Tirunelveli, described the functions of ECC and ECC’s collaboration with TANGEDCO  in solving complaints and their extended support in addressing the high value complaints by the Executive Engineers. He also mentioned that the majority of the complaints are solved over a telephonic conversation. 

R. Natarajan, Junior Engineer, Rural East, Tiruvannamalai, started his speech by saying that ECCs are bridging the gap between consumers and TANGEDCO in an effective manner. At the end of the session, the participants clarified their doubts;  few complaints were solved in the outreach meeting itself. On being asked why TANGEDCO had installed electronic meters in rural areas, he replied that this was to calculate the electricity consumption precisely. 

Mr. S. Loganathan, Trichy's Electronics, demonstrated the benefits of using solar energy and the process of installing the rooftop solar. During the session, few participants asked questions about the quality of the panels, manufacturers, warranty, and related questions.

At the end of the session, few participants registered their complaints on the following: 

1) Mr.X, small shop-keeper from Trichy registered a complaint that the transformer near his shop often sparks during the night. Mr.Velusami, Advisor, ECC-Trichy advised the complainant to draft a written letter to the Assistant Engineer.  2) Mr.Y, a domestic consumer from Cuddalore had registered a complaint about the delay in getting a new connection. Mr. Radhakrishnan, Advisor, ECC-Cuddalore, advised the consumer to submit a copy of documents, letter and application form to TANGEDCO and send a photocopy of the complaint to ECC Cuddalore.  

3)  Ms.Z, from Tiruvallur, complained about the damaged pole which is near to her house. Mr. Ashokan, Advisor, ECC Tiruvallur inspected the damaged pole and instructed the complainant to register it through the TANGEDCO’ Whatsapp number.