Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) organized a State level Electricity Consumer Cell (ECC) meeting on March 21, 2018, at 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. The meeting focused on the progress of the Electricity Consumer Cells of Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, and Tirunelveli from December 2016 - February 2018.

Mr. Vishnu Mohan Rao, Senior Researcher from Citizen consumer and civic Action Group, briefed participants about the functions and work of the ECCs. He explained the objectives of conducting the meeting.

Mr. G.N.Bharath Ram, Researcher from CAG, presented the statistical analysis of the consumer advisories. He explained the classification of consumer complaints i.e. resolved, pending, and closed. Resolved advisories refer to the complaints which are solved by the ECCs with the help of TNEB officials within a stipulated time period. Closed advisories refer to the complaints which are addressed to TNEB by the ECCs for a permanent solution; for example bulbs for the street lighting and voltage fluctuations. Total advisories received by all the ECCs from December 2016 to February 2018 is 456, out of which Cuddalore registered 169 no’s, Tiruvallur registered 145 no’s, Tirunelveli registered 142 no’s.

Mr. Shanmugam, Advisor, ECC Tirunelveli, expressed the challenges and difficulties in registering advisories, enquiries, and arranging outreach meetings in different places. Major advisories were resolved in few days and some took its own time limit to get resolved. For example, assessors of TANGEDCO not following the standard billing cycles, due to that the bill amount is higher than the expected. The concerned consumer drafted a letter to Assistant Engineer regarding this problem and also submitted a copy of the letter to ECC, which will be helpful to contact the concerned officials. On the other hand, few complainants hesitated to disclose their details while registering their complaints over phone, which are difficult to follow-up after resolving it.

Mr. Balasubramaniam, Advisor, ECC Cuddalore, spoke about the powers of the Deputy Engineer(DE) in his jurisdiction. DE has certain powers in laying poles on a street/road which will benefit the consumers. Also, he mentioned the consumer rights in contacting the AE/JE for resolving a problem and the duration of the resolving a problem. He gave few examples of the complaints registered in ECC, especially the Street lights which are not working for several months. He expressed his challenges in connecting the local bodies and electricity board to solve the street light complaint.

Mr.Ashokan, Advisor, ECC Tiruvallur, expressed his views on accomplishing the objectives of ECC. He spoke about his experiences in working with the Electricity board officials in solving the complaints. Creating awareness on the safety, energy conservation and electricity rights was his primary objective during the outreach meetings conducted by ECC Tiruvallur. ECC Tiruvallur has submitted all type of complaints in which infrastructure complaints – pole and transformer had registered large in numbers. He also instructed the consumers to address the respected AE/JE regarding the complaint before registering with ECC.

Mr.nagarajan, Volunteer, ECC Tiruvallur, expressed his difficulties in arranging the outreach meetings at the village level. As a volunteer, he registered his first complaint to ECC Tiruvallur about the low sagging of Low Tension line on a narrow lane. It was first reported to the concerned officials about the problem, after many follow-ups it wasn’t solved. Later, he registered the same complaint to ECC with the photocopy of the documents submitted to the EB. Most of the complaints registered to ECC are high value complaints – Setting up of transformer, low sagging wire/cables.

Mr.Gunasekaran, State level ECC Expert, delivered a speech on the consumer rights which are mentioned in the Electricity Act and Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum. Each ECC’s should inform the public about the grievance day conducted at the Collector’s office once in a month in their outreach meetings. He concluded the session by giving few suggestions to the ECCs in organizing the outreach meeting areas.

CAG organized a State level Electricity Consumer Cell (ECC) meeting on June 28, 2018 at Raj Park, Chennai. The objective of the meeting was to discuss about the progress of the ECCs and to address challenges faced by the ECCs. The meeting focused the progress made by ECCs of Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, and Tirunelveli from December 2016 - June 2018 .

Mr. Vishnu Mohan Rao, Senior Researcher from CAG made a presentation on the aims, objectives, and functions ECCs.

Mr. G.N.Bharath Ram, Researcher, CAG, presented statistical analysis of the advisories (complaints) to all ECCs. ECCs have received 638 advisories between December 2016 to June 2018, out of which Cuddalore registered 214 complaints, Tiruvallur registered 200, Tirunelveli registered 180 complaints, Tiruvannamalai registered 27, Salem registered 17. The statistical analysis of the advisories helped summarise their success ratio, nature of complaints, average number of complaints received by each ECCs, gender analysis.

Mr. Sridhar S I, Researcher, CAG, made a presentation on “Analysis of Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum (CGRF) Cases”. Around 241 CGRF cases from the following eight power distribution circles of Tamil Nadu were collected from the TANGEDCO website for this study. The eight power distribution circles are Chennai West, Chennai North, Chennai Central, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Madurai Metro, Coimbatore, and Cuddalore. 

Mr. Shanmugam, ECC Advisor, Tirunelveli, expressed his experience in accomplishing the objectives of ECC Tirunelveli. He represented the statistical analysis of the advisories and enquiries registered with the ECC. He spoke about maintaining the cordial relationship with the TNEB officials in solving complaints.

Mr. Balasubramaniam, ECC Advisor, Cuddalore, expressed his challenges in connecting the local bodies and electricity board with the advisories registered at the ECC. The solar power presentation by experts helped the consumers learn about the solar energy.

Mr. Ashokan, ECC Advisor, Tiruvallur, expressed his views on working with ECC’s objectives and functions. He spoke about his experiences in working with the Electricity board officials in solving the complaints. Creating awareness on the safety, energy conservation, and electricity rights was his primary objective during the outreach meetings conducted by the ECC Tiruvallur.

Mr. Rama Perumal, Secretary, SINAM, made a powerpoint presentation on their activities completed during the month of April - June. His presentation focused on consumer advisories, outreach activities, and capacity building programme. He explained in detail about the success story of a complaint registered to ECC. He thanked CAG for giving this opportunity and will work efficiently in the upcoming years.

Mr. Bhoopathy, President, Salem Consumer Voice, described the activities of ECC Salem. He spoke about the difficulties of registering the complaints in the initial stage, later how he managed to attain the target of 15 complaints per month. ECC salem has been in a continuous conversation with the TNEB officials regarding the complaints. He also displayed the replies by the TNEB on the complaints. he felt happy in solving the consumer complaints and thanked CAG for the opportunity.

Mr. Gunasekaran, the state-level ECC expert, explained important aspects about change in tariff, street lights, setting up transformers, net meters, which are mentioned in the Act. He gave suggestions on grievance redressal mechanisms to ECC advisors and also insisted to create awareness about the new facility introduced by TNEB for making complaints.

Electricity Consumer Cell (ECC) - Cuddalore, organized a capacity building programme on “Energy Governance” on May 29, 2018, at Chidambaram Traders Association Hall, Cuddalore district. The purpose of the programme was to build consumer awareness of energy conservation,  energy-efficient devices, and renewable energy concepts at the household level. Members of traders’ association participated in the programme.

Mr. Selvaraj, Chairman, Federation of Consumer Organizations Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry, welcomed the participants and gave an introductory speech on the purpose of the capacity building programme.

Mr. Bharath Ram, Researcher, CAG, briefed the participants about the objectives and functions of ECC in Cuddalore. He also explained the role of ECC members and the problem-solving mechanisms to the participants. Thus, ECCs works as a bridge between the consumers and TNEB in solving electricity complaints and enquiries.

Sridhar S.I., Researcher, CAG, made a presentation on energy efficiency and energy conservation at the household level. He listed out inefficient devices at houses which consume high electricity and suggested that they are replaced with the latest energy-efficient devices. Further, the presentation focused on Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) standards and labeling program of Govt. of India for energy efficient appliances (such as fans, TVs, refrigerators etc.).  He presented the comparison of energy efficient appliances vs energy-inefficient appliances based on the cost, watts, and volts.

Mr. Ambikapathi, Coordinator, ECC Advisor, concluded the session with a vote of thanks.

Electricity Consumer Cell (ECC) - Tiruvallur, organized a Capacity Building Programme titled “Energy Governance” on May 22, 2018, at Praneer Hall, Pattabiram village, Tiruvallur District. The programme was attended by various Self Help Group women members from Pattabiram village.

Mr. M. Selvaraj, Chairman, Federation of Consumer Organizations Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry, welcomed the participants and gave an introductory speech on the objectives of the capacity building Programme. He further explained the importance of solar energy and solar products like Solar Panels, Solar Bulbs etc., which currently play a vital role in the energy sector.

Sridhar S.I., Researcher, CAG, explained about energy efficiency and energy conservation at the household level for the participants. He presented an analysis of inefficient devices at houses which consume high electricity and suggested that they are replaced with the latest energy-efficient devices. Further, the presentation focused on Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) standards and labeling program of Govt. of India for energy efficient appliances (such as fans, TVs, refrigerators etc.). He gave an illustration of how to compare electrical and electronic appliances based on energy efficient products vs. energy-inefficient appliances.

Er. S.H. Gajendiran, Executive Engineer, Avadi, addressed the participants on energy conservation measures and also highlighted the variations in power quality during the night time. He clarified the doubts and questions raised by the participants regarding power blackouts, street lights, high voltage in Pattabiram area.

Mr. Nagarajan, Volunteer, ECC Tiruvallur, concluded the session with a vote of thanks.

The Electricity Consumer Cell (ECC), Tirunelveli, organized a capacity building programme on “Energy Governance” on May 30, 2018, at Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli District. The programme aimed to raise consumer awareness on energy governance, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) energy star label, and suggest practical and simple actions to save energy in day-to-day life. The participants included electricity consumers, electricity experts, CSOs, and renewable energy consultants. Mr. Ramakani, Assistant Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO), was the special chief guest of the programme.

Mr. Venkatachalam, Tirunelveli Consumer Protection Sangam, inaugurated the session with an introductory speech on how ECC functions as a bridge between the electricity consumers and TANGEDCO. He explained the work of ECC Tirunelveli in supporting consumers to address their electricity issues. Following his speech Mr. Shanmugam, Advisor, ECC Tirunelveli, talked about some of the recent complaints received and how they were rectified. He gave some an overview on how to use electricity efficiently and also the benefits of rooftop solar power in reducing electricity bills.

Mr. Bharath Ram, Researcher, CAG, briefed the participants about the objective and functions of ECC in Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, and Tirunelveli. He focused on the role of ECC in supporting consumers address day-to-day electricity challenges and the procedure for registering the electricity complaints.

Sridhar S.I., Researcher, CAG, made a presentation on energy efficiency and energy conservation at the household level. He gave an illustration on energy saved (in units) when a normal incandescent bulb was replaced by a compact fluorescent bulb or LED lamps. He further shared energy-saving methods for all household devices. Further, the presentation focused on the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) standards and labelling program of Govt. of India for energy efficient appliances (such as fans, TVs, refrigerators etc.). He gave an illustration of how to compare electrical and electronic appliances based on energy efficiency and monetary cost savings from BEE star-labelled appliances vs baseline products when shopping. There were very interesting discussions with the participants at this session on energy-efficient practices in realistic situations.

Mr. I. Anto Jeyarajan, Business Head, Green Tech Solar, gave a presentation on solar power for households. He explained about the benefits of off-grid and on-grid systems of rooftop solar. He showcased some of the successful projects of Green Tech Solar at various locations with the help of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. He highlighted the various subsidies provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and about the benefits of using the net-metering facility for rooftop solar systems.

The chief guest of the event Mr. Ramakani, Assistant Engineer, TANGEDCO, talked about the need for energy conservation and the importance of electricity safety measures at the household level. He gave a detailed explanation on how TANGEDCO generates, transmits, and distributes electricity. He even gave a brief account of the future power projects that have been planned by TANGEDCO in order to meet future demands.

Mr. Ponnazhgan, Teacher, Govt. School, Cheranmahadevi, concluded the session with a vote of thanks.

Electricity Consumer Cell Cuddalore conducted outreach meetings at Vruthachalam (April 28, 2018), Nakkaravandankudi (May 12, 2018) and Sethiyathope (June 21, 2018) villages to promote and create awareness on ECC.  The outreach meeting was organized by Mr. Ambikapathi, (ECC Coordinator) and Mr. Balasubramaniam (ECC Advisor). Mr. Ambikapathi, Coordinator, ECC Cuddalore, explained the objective of the outreach meeting, functions and role of the ECC to the participants.

Mr. Balasubramaniam, Advisor, ECC Cuddalore, clarified questions raised by consumers on low voltage, digital meters, street lights.  He also explained the advantages of using energy efficient products like LED bulbs, LED Tube lights based on its Watts and Consumption units. He also informed the consumers about the new facility introduced by TNEB for registering electricity complaints through WhatsApp. TNEB has introduced district-wise WhatsApp numbers for power failure, damaged electric poles, non-functioning street lights, damaged pillar-boxes, broken overhead electric wires, damaged cables, etc.

Mr.Selvaraj, Chairman, Federation of Consumer Organisation Tamilnadu and Pondicherry, concluded the session with the vote of thanks.

Electricity Consumer Cell, Tirunelveli, in association with Tirunelveli District Consumer Rights Protection Sangam, conducted outreach meetings at NGO ‘B’ Colony (April 18, 2018), Mukkudal (May 29, 2018) and Araikulam (June 8, 2018) of Tirunelveli District. The objective of the meeting was to educate consumers on the ECC’s functions, energy governance, and electricity problems.

Mr. Venkatachalam, Coordinator, ECC Tirunelveli, explained the objectives of ECC Tirunelveli in detail and highlighted the role of ECC in maintaining a strong relationship between consumers and service providers. He felicitated the EPFO commissioner with the ECC booklet and explained its uses to the participants. He advised the consumers to directly meet the electricity officials rather than field staff to avoid the losses. “If you have any problem with the supply, the first thing you should do is to register a complaint to the Assistant Engineer of your circle”; then He/she will resolve the problem in the specified time.

Mr. Shanmugam, Advisor, ECC Tirunelveli, started the session by explaining the type of complaints registered to ECCs with the examples and also encouraged the consumers to contact them at any time. He also clarified questions raised by consumers on electricity complaints such as the procedure for name transfer, tariff change, voltage fluctuation, etc. He also expressed the cordial relationship with the TNEB offices in solving the complaints raised by ECC Tirunelveli through registered post. The problem-solving mechanism of the Electricity Complaints registered to ECC was explained in detail. He further informed the participants about the energy efficient products like LED bulbs, LED Tube lights which are sold in the EB offices at the subsidized price.

Mr. Muthusamy, ECC Volunteer, Tirunelveli, concluded the session with a vote of thanks.

ECC - Tiruvallur conducted outreach meetings in Thandurai (May 10, 2018) and Aranvoyal (June 22, 2018) of Tiruvallur District, to promote ECC among the public. It was organized by Mr. M. Dhanraj (ECC Coordinator), and Mr. Nagarajan (ECC Volunteer). ECC handbills were distributed to the public in the villages to create awareness on ECC. Mr. M. Dhanraj explained the functions and objectives of ECC and described the process of registering electricity complaints.

Mr. Ashokan, Advisor, ECC Tiruvallur, gave a detailed explanation on the type of complaints which are registered to the ECC’s and also the procedure for registering the complaints. He also mentioned about the cordial relationship with TNEB officials in solving the electricity complaints, which helps them to solve the complaints at the earliest. He explained the low voltage-related problems, issues related to the frequency of computing the meter reading to the participants. With regard to the safety, he explained the advantages of using good quality wires, switches, and sockets for the households which will reduce the losses.

Mr. Nagarajan, ECC Volunteer, Tiruvallur, concluded the session with a vote of thanks.