Electricity Consumer cells (ECCs) have conducted outreach meetings in the month of November at Ponneri and St.Paul’s Matriculation School, Avadi (Tiruvallur), Neyveli (Cuddalore), Reddyarpettai (Tirunelveli), Periyapudhur (Salem), Pettaivaithalai (Tiruchirappalli), Perumoochi and Keelapakkam (Vellore).
Mr. Vellusami, Advisor, ECC-Tiruchirappalli explained the aim of conducting the outreach programme to the participants, which included, farmers, and domestic, commercial consumers and school students.
Mr. Balaraman, Advisor, ECC-Vellore, described the objectives and functions of ECC. He also mentioned the process of registering the complaints and the redressal mechanism. He mentioned that the majority of the complaints registered with the ECCs are solved in a week’s time.
Ms. Dhivya Purshoth, ECC Engineer, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group(CAG), made a presentation on energy efficiency and energy conservation topics by giving simple examples to the participants. With the help of the poster designed by CAG, she gave a few tips on reducing the electricity bill. She gave a demonstration on solar rooftop with the help of the demo kit, which comprises a solar panel, battery, bulbs etc.
Mr. D. Kumar, from a solar developer firm, described the process of installing the rooftop solar and its benefits. During the session, few participants asked questions about the quality of the panels, manufacturers, warranty, and other related questions.
At the end of the session, few participants registered their complaints on the following:
1) Mr.X, from Tiruvallur, registered a complaint on delay in taking meter reading by the assessors. Mr.Ashokan, Advisor, ECC-Tiruvallur advised the complainant to meet the local section office and register the complaint. He said the Assistant Engineer will look into the complaint and address it.
2) Mr.Y, an agricultural consumer from Tiruchirappalli registered a complaint on delay in effecting the service connection after paying the required fees and submitting the application. Mr. Velusami, Advisor, ECC - Tiruchirappalli, requested the complainant to check the status of the application with the Junior Engineer and said that the ECC will also follow-up until the complaint is resolved.
3) A residential welfare association from Salem, registered a complaint on nonfunctioning of street lights in two lanes. Mr.Jayaraman, Advisor, ECC - Salem, enquired and advised them to file a written complaint with the local body and local EB office. Also informed them to register these types of complaints with TANGEDCO’s WhatsApp number.