A workshop by Citizen consumer and civic Action Group helped an R.A. Puram residents’ association identify errors in their solar rooftop installation and switch to the correct net metering system. The intervention highlights CAG’s role in bridging knowledge gaps among consumers and vendors to ensure effective adoption of renewable energy.
Electricity consumers’ Consumer Grievance Redressal Forums (CGRFs) are functioning without mandatory members, weakening their effectiveness. Highlighting the issue, Programme Lead at CAG, K Vishnu Mohan Rao said the delay in filling vacancies continues because “people with expertise in the electricity field are very few,” leaving CGRFs ill-equipped to address consumer complaints.
On World Car-Free Day, Chennai citizens rallied to demand better public transport under the ‘Double the Bus’ campaign. “We must double the number of buses in Chennai and across the country,” said Nina Subramani, Senior Researcher from CAG, highlighting the urgent need to improve urban mobility.
Speaking on Tamizha Tamizha, Thiru. Navaraja Murugan, Director of Darling Digital World, highlighted how the TN government is promoting solar awareness and supporting net metering for domestic consumers. He also mentioned CAG’s efforts in spreading awareness about solar energy adoption in association with TNPDCL.
Similar to CAG’s findings in Chennai, many parents interviewed in Hyderabad admitted to allowing their children to ride without helmets. This points to a troubling pattern of low awareness, low compliance and poor law enforcement around child road safety.
CAG is now a member of the State Consumer Protection Council. As one of 22 members comprising a broad spectrum of stakeholders representing consumer rights groups, public sector undertakings, regulatory bodies, industry chambers, and academia, the Council is dedicated to protecting the interests of consumers across the State.
This article on social equity in public transport quotes CAG's study on the free bus scheme for women in Tamil Nadu. The free-fare initiative was found to lead to significant savings and improved access to education and healthcare for women.
Saroja, Executive Director of CAG, discusses the role of an empowered consumer who understands grievance redressal mechanisms to keep companies and corporates accountable. E-com consumers especially need to be careful and only choose vendors of repute to buy from.
The MTC is set to upgrade its Chennai Bus app to improve real-time bus tracking and add features like e-ticketing. CAG recently published a report on the Chennai Bus App which highlighted issues like slow load times and GPS errors. The upgrade will include better GPS accuracy, real-time updates, and digital display boards at key bus stops.
Divya Senthil, consultant at CAG explains why underage driving is a serious concern, and one that can only be addressed by better education and strict enforcement. The article also mentions CAG's blog on 'Ensuring safe school journeys for all children'.