Electricity Consumer Cells (ECCs), used to conduct outreach meetings twice in a month in their respective districts (Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Tirunelveli, Cuddalore, Salem, Tiruchirapalli, and Vellore) to sensitise consumers about the ECCs and help them by clarifying their queries related to electricity problems and to create awareness on energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
Due to COVID-19 outbreak, Electricity Consumer Cells (ECCs) were unable to conduct physical outreach meetings. Therefore, the ECCs started using online platforms to reach the consumers. They conduct e-outreach meetings, and social media campaigns.
In addition, since May 2020, ECCs started advertising activities which include a) handbill distribution, b) newspaper advertisements, and c) television advertisements. The main objectives of these activities are i) To let people know about ECCs, their functioning, and contact details with additional details of helping consumers with their complaints / queries related to electricity ii) To create awareness on energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy by providing details and tips.
Handbills
The handbills were distributed to the consumers either in person with all the COVID-19 precaution measures or by placing as insets in newspapers. All the ECCs conduct this activity once in a month in their respective districts.
Image 1:printed handbill
Image 2: Handbills distributed by placing inside Newspaper.
Image3:Handbills distributed in person.
Newspaper advertisements of size 120 sq. cm were published in major newspapers of the respective ECC districts. This activity was carried out once a month by all ECCs in their respective districts.
Image 4:advertisement printed on newspaper
Image 5:advertisement printed on newspaper
Image 6:advertisement printed on newspaper
Scrolling type television advertisements were given in the local television channels. The advertisements were broadcasted 10 times a day at 60-minute intervals for 30 days.
Image 7: scrolling type advertisement on local television channel
Image 8: scrolling type advertisement on local television channel
As a result of the advertisement activities, the ECCs are able to reach a large number of people, estimated at over 100,000, in the last few months. Also, due to the widespread publicity, the number of complaints/queries from consumers have significantly increased .