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Local Electricity Forum 3&4 | Tamil Nadu | November & December 2024

Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) in association with the Consumer Rights Movement is working on a project “Accelerating Clean Energy Transition By Improving Stakeholder Participation For Electricity Governance In India” in Chattisgarh. Under this project, CAG conducted local electricity forum meetings. 

Mr. J. M. Boopathi, Founder of the Consumer Rights Movement, provided a brief overview of their collaboration with CAG on electricity awareness over the past five years. He emphasized that local electricity forums serve as a platform for consumers to collectively discuss both individual and common grievances. This initiative enables consumers to share their experiences and information with others who may not be aware of these issues.

3rd Local Electricity Forum Meeting at Sendamangalam, Namakkal District

The 3rd local electricity forum meeting was conducted on November 16, 2024, at Sendamangalam, Namakkal District. A total of 35 participants from domestic, commercial, small-scale industries, and consumer group organisations participated.

Mr.G.N.Bharath Ram, during his presentation

Mr. G.N. Bharath Ram, Researcher, provided a detailed explanation of the project's objectives. He gave a comprehensive overview of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission's (TNERC) Distribution Standards of Performance (DSOP). The DSOP regulations set out the minimum standards of service that Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) must provide to its customers. He emphasised that consumers are not aware of the regulations published by TNERC, including compensation paid by TANGEDCO for not adhering to the rules. 

Mr.Jeyaraman, during his presentation

Mr.Jeyaraman, a retired Official from Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL), started his presentation by explaining the need to know electricity officials’ and section offices’ contact details. He mentioned that official contact numbers are displayed in the section offices and also that they are easily available on the TNPDCL website. In case of an  emergency or grievances, it is the right of the consumer to contact the electricity official via phone or WhatsApp and duty of the officials to respond to it, he said.. 

Mr. Murugavel, member of the (Thaniyaar Min Paniyaalar Sangam) private electricity employee union, expressed his gratitude stating that he has been working as a contractual field staff for the electricity department for several  years and had yet not heard about these rules and regulations. He added that this  programme had been an eye opener for him as well as for the other participants. ‘As a consumer, we are all programmed to just  pay the electricity bills once we receive it, and are unaware of the topics explained today’ he said. 

Mr.Stephen, during his presentation

Mr.Stephen, a solar products developer, provided an overview of the fundamental concepts of solar energy systems. He explained how solar energy harnesses sunlight to generate electricity, highlighting the crucial role of photovoltaic (PV) panels in converting sunlight into electrical energy. Mr. Stephen also elaborated on the key components of a solar energy system, including solar panels, inverters, and battery storage. He also mentioned the cost implications, and return on investment required to install solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar Yojna.

Mr.A.Baskaran, summarised the programme and concluded the programme by delivering a vote of thanks

 4th Local Electricity Forum Meeting at Salem District:

The 4th local electricity forum meeting was conducted on December 09, 2024 at Shanthas Ashram Meeting Hall, Salem District. A total of 30 participants,  domestic and commercial consumers, attended the event. 

 

Mr.Jeyaraman, during his presentation

Mr. Jeyaraman provided a comprehensive overview of the application process for registering a grievance with the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF). He explained that consumers can file complaints both online and offline. For online registration, consumers can visit the CGRF website, fill out the complaint form, and upload the required documents. Alternatively, for offline registration, consumers can submit a written complaint  along with supporting documents at the nearest CGRF office or send it by post. 

Mr.K.Naresh Babu, during his presentation

Mr. K.Naresh Babu, Secretary, Salem Lawyers Association, shared his experience in dealing with electricity-related cases registered in the district courts. He mentioned the various types of electricity-related disputes that are commonly brought before the courts, including issues related to new service connection, and billing. Mr. Babu emphasized that consumers are often unaware of the CGRFs  and the critical role of the electricity ombudsman. In numerous cases, courts have firmly directed petitioners to utilize the TNERC's redressal mechanism before seeking judicial intervention.

Mr. J.M.Boopathy, during his presentation

 Mr. J.M.Boopathy shared his experience regarding a case he brought to the Executive Engineer’s office in Namakkal South concerning the installation of a bi-directional meter. The consumer had installed solar energy systems but was unable to utilize the generated energy due to the lack of a bi-directional meter. Representing the Consumer Rights Movement, Mr. Boopathy personally presented the case to the Superintending Engineer. Based on the complaint and continuous efforts, the bi-directional meter was installed within just one week.

Mr.A.Baskaran, concluded the programme by delivering a vote of thanks.

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