Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG), Chennai, in association with the Consumer Rights Movement organised a capacity building workshop on the topics of Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy on October 07, 2024, at Hotel Srinivasa, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu. This workshop aimed to raise consumer awareness and help them participate in the clean energy transition, by empowering participants with essential knowledge. The workshop catered to consumer group representatives and members of the general public.
Mr. Nalvinai Viswaraj, General Secretary, Pathu Roobai Iyakkam giving his welcome address
Mr. Nalvinai Viswaraj, General Secretary, of Pathu Roobai Iyakkam, emphasized the importance of consumer groups in obtaining information from the government agencies. As active members of the consumer group, he said that we must understand this information and disseminate it to others for a better quality of life. Developing skills in energy conservation is particularly important at this time of climate change but this has not received enough attention.
G.N.Bharath Ram, during his presentation
Mr. G.N.Bharath Ram, Researcher at CAG, delivered a presentation on energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy. He shed light on simple yet effective household-level strategies for energy conservation and efficiency, including the importance of star labeling for electronic appliances. Providing practical recommendations for appliance installation and usage, his talk gave participants the knowledge to reduce their energy footprint. Additionally, he highlighted the benefits of renewable energy, particularly solar power, emphasising its potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower energy bills, and promote sustainability.
Mr.Jeyaraman, retired official, TANGEDCO, during his presentation
Mr. Jayaraman, a retired TANGEDCO official, provided valuable insights into the TNERC's regulations and the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020. He highlighted the benefits of these rules for consumers and explained the compensation mechanisms should TANGEDCO fail to meet its deadlines. Mr. Jayaraman also offered practical guidance on navigating billing disputes with TANGEDCO: "To avoid Belated Payment Surcharges, consumers should pay their bills promptly and then file a complaint if necessary." This timely advice helped participants understand their rights and responsibilities. He also answered questions raised by participants such as on meter problems, new service connections etc.
Mr. Mohan, President of Nammakkal Maavatta Thaniyar Min Paniyalargal Sangam, addressing the participants
Mr. Mohan, President of Nammakkal Maavatta Thaniyar Min Paniyalargal Sangam, addressed the participants, highlighting the crucial role of Tami Nadu Generation and Distribution Company Limited (TANGEDCO) employees in guiding consumers. These employees assist consumers in selecting the correct and standardized materials for cable installation from the distribution transformer to the meter box. Moreover, the workers emphasize the importance of installing Residual Current Devices (RCDs), which provide protection against fire accidents caused by short circuits. He thanked organisers for arranging such a programme in Namakkal District.
Mr. Bhoopathi, Founder of Consumer Rights Movement, addressing the participants
Mr. Bhoopathi, Founder of Consumer Rights Movement, discussed the organization's partnership with TANGEDCO in resolving electricity issues in Salem since 2017. “Whenever I receive a call from a consumer regarding electricity concerns, I promptly attend to it and forward the issue to the relevant TANGEDCO officials," he explained. Appreciating Mr. G.N. Bharath Ram's presentation, Mr. Bhoopathi noted, "The information shared was beneficial, and the tips are practical and easy to implement." He concluded the workshop by urging all participants to share information learned today, with their family and friends.