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.