Event Reports

Citizen Consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) organised a discussion on the “Residential Rooftop Solar Experience in Tamil Nadu: The Prosumer Perspective”, at Madras Management Association (MMA), Chennai on September 3, 2022. The objective of the programme was to bring together residential prosumers to discuss the issues faced while installing Residential Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and to brainstorm possible solutions. Mr K. Vishnu Mohan Rao, Senior Researcher, CAG gave an introduction to the activities of the Electricity Governance team in CAG and explained the purpose of conducting the discussion. He welcomed the participants and gave an overview of the event.

A total of sixteen prosumers participated in the discussion. 

The meeting was inaugurated by Group Captain Vijaykumar (Retd.), Director, Madras Management Association (MMA). He shared his personal experience of installing solar systems in his home and the need for knowledge building within this sector.

The moderator of the meeting Mr D. Suresh, also known as Solar Suresh, opened the discussion explaining the benefits of the installations such as being unaffected by increasing tariffs and having uninterrupted power supply. He also briefly outlined some of the issues that prosumers face during installation and post-installation. 

The following points were discussed by the prosumers:

Technical issues:

The floor opened with a prosumer’s doubts regarding switching off the battery every night.  The moderator and CAG members clarified that the battery can be kept running through the night and that this does not affect the life of the battery. 

The benefits of switching from acid batteries to lithium-ion batteries (which come with around a 25-year warranty) were also discussed. 

The importance of the rooftop structure and bolting of panels was discussed with respect to concerns regarding storms. Mr Suresh stated that his own rooftop system had withstood cyclones like Varadah. He explained that there must be some gaps in the structure to allow free airflow.

There was also a query regarding the method of automating switching between on-grid and off-grid. The discussion indicated that there is currently no clarity on this and that further study is required on the same.

Utility-based issues:

One prosumer described a prolonged struggle to get a net meter from the utility. Instead of a bidirectional meter,  he was given a unidirectional meter.  This issue has not been resolved even after three months of phone calls, visits and letters to the concerned officials. Meanwhile, he has also been paying consumption charges based on his old consumption pattern. He explained that the process of procuring a net meter needs to be made more transparent.  

Most of the prosumers were curious about the net-metering mechanism and wanted more clarity on how it works. The discussion indicated that there are limited field personnel who also frequently switch roles, resulting in a lack of understanding as to how meters are read.  Some prosumers stated that taking pictures of meter readings every month was a good precaution. The new rates for feed-in tariffs were also discussed. 

The general consensus was that the introduction of network charges has made it more expensive to have a grid-connected solar plant. Prosumers who did not have consumption charges are now compelled to pay this added expense.

The utility has not created a prosumer portal to show the export and import of power with the corresponding charges. This is necessary to ensure transparency in data and allow prosumers to check their consumption akin to the utility consumer portal.

In the city, prosumers observed that utility staff were reluctant to learn or support an interested party in installation.  There is a pressing need to sensitise them and ensure that the department functions as a  prosumer-friendly entity.

Developer issues:

There was a discussion on the need for a platform to provide reviews and how this could address difficulties in choosing a reliable developer. For example, one developer had failed to provide a proper inverter to the prosumer. Prosumers also opined that creating a basic checklist can arm a prosumer with the information he/she needs to check the developer’s work.  CAG’s rooftop solar installation guide for Tamil Nadu helps bridge this gap. 

Another prosumer had a query regarding frequent low voltage, with the problem persisting even after checking the connection given by TANGEDCO officials. It was discussed that changing the setting on their inverter can fix this issue; and that this should have been tested by the developer during installation. 

Policy:

There is a lot of confusion regarding subsidies provided by the Government. Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) has to create a consumer-friendly process for citizens to get these subsidies. 

Advancements:

The rise of electric vehicles and the need for charging infrastructure that can integrate with solar plants were also discussed.

A subscription model for people who do not have the space or finance to set up their own plant to get solar “biscuits” as done by a start-up in Bangalore was also discussed. This is a great way to provide access to renewable energy to more citizens.

Awareness:

Rooftop solar is still not mainstream because of the complexity that surrounds it; this was elucidated by the various hurdles each prosumer faced during installation. Another important area of discussion was regarding the use of solar in apartment complexes. One of the prosumers installed a rooftop solar plant for common services and was now convincing apartment owners in his apartment to install the same for everyday use. He shared his experience in dealing with the initial scepticism among residents to invest in the plant. He overcame this by explaining and showing the money saved in electricity bills by each flat owner. 

Using renewable energy and promoting the same by helping other people to install residential solar rooftops is the best way to battle climate change and the energy crisis.

Towards the end of the meeting, the prosumers discussed the functioning,  role and objectives of the forum. This forum is for prosumers to share knowledge, discuss issues and ways to resolve them, clarify any doubts, information on new technological advancements, and share updates on policy dealing with residential rooftop solar and any new developments in the field. CAG offered to represent issues on behalf of prosumers to regulator, utility and policymakers as and when required. All the prosumers agreed to create a social media group to engage in such discussions. 

The workshop aimed at sharing knowledge of global best practices on road safety emphasising the need for robust road safety legislation, increased penalties to act as deterrents and leveraging the use of technology for improved enforcement.

The second National Pedestrian Conference organized by SUM Net India in Chennai brought together pedestrian voices, in an effort to create and implement walker-friendly roads and spaces. The event was held on the 11th and 12th of March, 2022 with a keynote address by Ms. Santha Sheela Nair, IAS (retd.).

CAG, in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industry Association (TANSTIA), organized a discussion with manufacturers of processed foods in Tamil Nadu on the 8th of March 2022.

A discussion on the existing urban policy framework, Chennai's second master plan, and the proposed third master plan with Prof. A. Srivathsan and Ms. Aswathy Dilip on March 7th, 2022.

Webinar 2: Electricity Sector Competition 

February 15^th, 2022

Post Webinar Note

Context

Competition in power markets enhances efficiency in the sector, while bringing in additional finance and capital to strengthen the sector. Consumers are provided with greater choices in service providers and business models such as Opex and open access as per their energy requirements, load patterns and economic and financial considerations. This has also led to a greater number of players in the market which makes it more competitive, increases choices for the consumer and widens the scale of deployment of such solutions. 

As Tamil Nadu embarks on this journey of strengthening the electricity sector by promoting competition in the sector and introducing new business models, the ‘Citizen consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG)’ in collaboration with MP Ensystems Advisory Pvt. Ltd organized a webinar to discuss the considerations, implications and relevance of ‘Electricity Sector Competition’. 

Key Discussion Points

Presentation on electricity sector competition: Dr Mahesh Patankar, MP Ensystems 

• Electricity sector has a political economy of its own and the sector has long suffered due to inefficient administration. Most of the state-owned utilities continue to bleed financially as mounting losses continue to affect the reforms that have been undertaken in recent years.
• India is now on a clear path of decarbonisation which was also on display during the Prime Minister’s announcements at the UN COP-26 Summit, where he declared the Panchamrit targets:
• India will get its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030
• India will meet 50% of its energy requirements till 2030 with RE
• India will reduce its projected carbon emission by one billion tons by 2030
• India will reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 45 % by 2030
• India will achieve net zero by 2070
• The Electricity Act, 2003 which was a landmark Act for the electricity sector in India included provisions of introduction of power exchanges and the facility of availing open access in India. These steps have been fundamental to the strengthening of competition in the electricity sector. The uptake in the number of consumers and volume of electricity availed through open access is a testament to that.
• Various models have been tried in different parts of the country in the electricity sector. Some of the notable examples are Bhiwandi model, which was a distribution franchisee model, New Delhi model, etc which have achieved varying levels of success in promoting efficiency in the electricity sector.
• Tamil Nadu has been an active participant in implementing energy sector reforms and striving for universal access to energy as the state has already achieved 100% electrification of households. It also has the highest number of open access consumers in the country. In this perspective, promoting efficiency and competition in the electricity sector is vital.  

Panel Discussion: Promoting Electricity Sector Competition

Ashwini Swain, Centre for Policy Research

• There have already been numerous models that have been tried throughout the country to promote efficiency in the retail sector but judging by the degree of success achieved by different models, it cannot be said that privatisation is the cure to all maladies. 
• Despite going down the privatisation path, Bhiwandi and Odisha models achieved contrasting results. While Delhi saw an improvement in efficiency, provision of quality supply and reduction in Transmission and Distribution losses, the same was not the case in Odisha. Hence, it is essential to take a holistic view of the issues in the sector in different geographies instead of taking a one size fits all approach.
• The case of Punjab is different than the other two cases as Punjab State Power Corporation Limited became financially crippled not on account of operational inefficiency but due to delays in provision of subsidy requirement. Thus, there are many issues that plague the power sector distributed throughout the whole ecosystem and there is a need to analyse all aspects before finalising a particular approach for reforms.

Ann Josey, Prayas Energy Group 

• Just a change in ownership is not the solution to improving efficiency in the electricity sector. The current model followed predominantly in India is based on a cost-plus framework, which has no incentives for the organisations for improvement of efficiency. 
• Prayas Group’s analysis of private sector distribution companies illustrates that there is no real competition when it comes to power procurement by these companies. These Discoms go through the route of competitive bidding for their power procurement, but it was found that most of these companies had contracted power with their own sister concerns, thus rendering the competitive bidding meaningless. Example- Torrent Power.
• To promote efficiency in the sector, there is a need to promote competition in the entire supply chain. The retail structural model of California is a good case study in this regard. 
• There is a need to share the risk as well as the rewards for the players in the electricity ecosystem, with a focus on the consumers. 

Netra Walawalkar, Customized Energy Solutions

• Many large commercial and industrial consumers are now willing to explore open access to reduce their electricity cost, as it is a fixed structure with Discoms, and manage their power requirements as per demand projections. There is also a growing interest in Renewable energy purchase. 
• Short term power trade through power exchanges has also increased, but has stagnated in recent years, and there is scope to increase participation through this medium.
• For consumers signing third party power agreements via PPAs with generators, the landed cost for the consumer often does not make sense due to cross subsidy and other charges. Even though Electricity Act says cross subsidy and other charges should increase, this is not happening practically.
• Despite these charges, there has been an increase in availing through Open access by industrial and commercial consumers who have been able to reduce their electricity costs.

Arijit Maitra, Independent Counsel and Lawyer

• Indian Electricity Act, 1910 provided for private licensees, which led to the existence of Tata Power, India Power Company, BSES, etc. In 1948, State Electricity Boards were formed. Between 1948-1998, there was a huge mismanagement by state Discoms and a high level of inefficiency.
• The burning issues in the power sector are:
• Failure to pay the outstanding dues to suppliers
• Failure to have tariffs fixed rationally and scientifically
• Failure to arrest arrears

Due to these issues, there is a need to bring in efficient private players, Delhi being a good example. 

• Privatisation can have various models. 

1. In Shrirampur of Maharashtra, Mula Pravara Electric Cooperative Society were rejected renewal of license on the ground that they failed to pay the bulk supply tariff to MSEDCL, and they were supplying to the rich consumers without recovering tariffs. Now the assets of Mula Pravara are with MSEDCL, for which it is paying user charges. Thus, despite not being a licensee, it is not being paid for the assets.
2. Delhi model is another model of privatisation. Delhi DISCOMs have regulatory assets exceeding Rs 10,000 crore but are still unable to clear the outstanding dues of the suppliers.
3. Chandigarh presents another model for privatisation.

• Many states are currently failing. Even in Tamil Nadu, the outstanding dues with generators have been increasing consistently, while there has also been an inability to assess the grid situation. Hence, there is a need for efficient players to be brought onboard.  

Concluding Remarks: Vishnu Rao, CAG

• The corporate governance of electricity sector warrants adequate scrutiny as well. Utilities can be private or public, but procedural safeguards in the corporate governance structure helps ensure more accountability and transparency in the operational setup. 
• More transparency akin to share markets where investors’ presentations are put online can be thought of to provide the company some value. A push towards sustainability and governance can be given more priority to make utilities more accountable. This type of an alternate approach where competition not just in the sector, but also in the governance part as well can improve the electricity ecosystems. 

The availability of a large area of land is a prerequisite to the installation of solar panels. In order to generate 1MW of power,  the area of land required could be between 2.5 acres and 4 acres. This implies that purely investing in solar farms filled with hundreds or maybe thousands of solar panels instead of crops will have a serious impact on the agricultural output which the land could have produced. On the other hand, focusing on traditional farming alone can be relatively risky given its dependence on weather conditions and other externalities. This raises a dilemma since we need land to feed our ever-growing population and also satisfy their energy needs. Agrivoltaics can be seen as a plausible solution that can make the production of both photovoltaic power and agricultural crops lucrative. This not only increases the total productivity of land but is of economic benefit to the farmers. One example of this is the Cochin International Airport, where this idea has been implemented. The vegetables are grown organically and are co-located with solar panels.

Since this concept is still at a nascent stage, CAG organised this webinar on 22nd Nov, to have a discussion on opportunities and challenges for agrivoltaics in India along with relevant policies for the same. The panel consisted of eminent speakers, Mr Amit Kumar who retired as Senior Director of TERI, Mr Subramaniyam Pulipaka who is the youngest CEO of NSEFI and Mr Jose Thomas who is the Executive Director of CIAL.

Key Discussion Points

Overview of Agrivoltaics in India and existing policies, by Mr Subramaniyam Pulipaka, CEO National Solar Energy Federation of India

• NSEFI works closely with Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF).
• The joint report of NSEFI and IGEF outlines policy recommendations to the Indian government.
• India has a crystal clear land use classification.
• There are 17 agrivoltaics plants in India
• In India, we perceive agrivoltaics in 3 ways.
• Plants grown in between the rows of the panels
• Farming below the panels
• Farming below elevated structure
• He also gave an introduction to various agrivoltaics plants in India
• More pilot projects are required to prove the trade-off between the extra cost incurred for facilitating agriculture below the solar panels and the resulting revenue from the cultivation.
• Miscordination between stakeholders frequently compromises the efficiency of agrivoltaic plants.

According to Mr Subramaniyam Pulipakka “If 1% of total arable land is used for agri PV, then 895 GW of power can be produced”. The major concern is land classification and financial incentives.

Practical experience in implementation by Mr Jose Thomas, Executive Director CIAL

• Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is the first greenfield airport in India under the PPP model.
• In 2012, Kerala State Electricity Board increased power tariff from Rs. 4/unit to Rs. 7/unit.
• CIAL started with a pilot solar plant on the rooftop.
• The Major 12 MWp plant was completed on 18th Aug 2015, with a total investment of Rs. 62 crore.
• This made CIAL the first airport in the world to be fully powered by solar.
• Now installed capacity is above 50 MWp.
• 450 kWp floating solar has been installed in the CIAL golf course.
• They started in an area of 4 acres in 2015, vegetable cultivation has increased to about 20 acres now.
• It will be spread to the entire solar plant area of 45 acres by 2023.
• It provides regular employment to 12 people per day.
• 30%-35% area is used for ginger. Rest is used for pumpkin, chilly, yam, ash gourd, cauliflower, cabbage, etc.
• Drip irrigation and mulching are done to save water.
• The total harvest of pesticide-free vegetables crossed 80 metric tonnes last year.
• Local agriculture officers visit the area regularly.

Mr Jose Thomas said that “Growing vegetables cool the panels and water used for cleaning panels is used for irrigation”. Thus, agrivoltaics create food-energy-water nexus.

Effect on agriculture, policies for large scale implementation by Mr Amit Kumar, Senior Director (Retd.), Social Transformation at The Energy and Resources Institute

• PV panels in agrivoltaics systems act as windbreakers, it can reduce wind erosion of soil.
• With optimum tracking, sufficient sunlight can be provided.
• Worldwide 3 GW of agrivoltaics has been installed.
• The application of PV panels can increase water runoff. This can lead to non-uniform water distribution in the field.
• Agrivoltaics affects the microclimate of the farm.
• In certain stages of the crop cycle, due to shading, crop yield may be affected.
• The benefit is that the loss of water due to transpiration is reduced leading to reduced irrigation requirements.
• It is difficult to bring changes suddenly in the farming sector.
• Agriculture universities, state agricultural departments and farmers have to be involved as agrivoltaics is an interdisciplinary domain.
• The central government can initiate a national program in consultation with the state.

 Mr Amit Kumar insisted  “Demonstration farms have to be set up to convince farmers to take up this method. Unless they are convinced, adoption is difficult”

There were around 23 participants and the discussion ended with an interactive Q and A session. The questions ranged from quantifying the electricity generation after growing plants below the panels to policy-level initiatives.

With increasing demand for electricity in urban and rural areas, impending shortages in electricity supply due to unavailability of coal and increasing penetration of renewable energy in India, it is imperative to ensure a Just Transition for electricity consumers. It is important that the impact of the benefits and challenges are distributed ‘Justly’ between the rural and urban sectors and across consumers categories. 

As Tamil Nadu embarks on this journey of decarbonization and strengthening the electricity sector for its consumers, the ‘Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG)’ in collaboration with MP Ensystems Advisory Pvt. Ltd organized a webinar to discuss the importance, relevance and challenges related to ‘Just Transition in the Electricity Sector in India.’ The webinar can be viewed here.

Key Discussion Points

Context of Just Transition in India and Tamil Nadu: Vishnu Rao, CAG

• Energy transition has been looked at from the renewable integration aspect, but we need to address social and economic aspects from the consumer perspective. 
• This discussion is a beginning stage to map out next steps that Tamil Nadu can take to enable a Just energy transition scenario in the future. We are looking at options including sustainable commercial utilities that provides affordable power for all as well as utility-scale solar plants. On the financial aspects of the Just transition, we need to understand whether it is feasible and commercially viable for a utility to accelerate a Just energy transition scenario in the state.
• We need to look at the role of marginalised people in Just transition to ensure equitable inclusion. 

Presentation on an overview of Just Transition: Meghana Rao Pahlajani, MP Ensystems

• Just transition related to a low carbon economy has three key focus areas:

• Climate Justice concerns sharing the benefits and burden of climate change from my human rights perspective
• Energy Justice refers to the application of human rights across the energy life cycle
• Environmental Justice aims to treat all citizens equally and to involve them in development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies

• Key drivers of an accelerated transition away from fossil fuels in India include:
  • Renewable and Storage getting cheaper
  • Emission Intensity commitment in NDC
  • Stranded assets and reluctance of finance institutions to fund new coal: 
  • Increasing, yet lower than expected demand
  • High cost of transport
  • Competing demand for limited land
• With a total installation capacity of around 34,000 MW, Tamil Nadu has one of the highest installations of Renewable Energy in the country. Tamil Nadu also has the highest borrowings of distribution utilities amongst states in 2019-20. Tamil Nadu is well poised to shift from a thermal base system to a renewable energy-based system. Projections from NREL model RE capacity reaching close to 34 GW in 2030 and the Tamil Government has announced high targets and relevant policies to support decarbonization in the State.  

Panel Discussion 1: Reflections on Just Transition in Energy and Global perspective

Dr Mahesh Patankar, MP Ensystems

• Developing countries have to focus on Just transition to account for adequate electricity supply to meet the growing demand whilst maximising livelihood opportunities in the rural sector. 
• With an ecosystem of renewables integrating to Tamil Nadu’s energy infrastructure, we need to look at how to balance this with the current strength of utilities. We need to make sure we have abundance of electricity available to vulnerable populations for not just their domestic needs but also industrial and agricultural requirements in urban and rural areas.
• During the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw a reverse migration from urban to rural areas, increasing demand from agriculture, rural industries, and small businesses. To enable equitable distribution of social and economic objectives for all, we need to provide adequate and reliable power supply throughout the country. 
• Several aspects of the energy system need to be carefully analysed. It is important to look at designing power markets effectively to ensure decarbonised electricity is available for all distribution companies. 

Dr. Zsuzsanna Pató, Regulatory Assistance Project 

• Some of the issues raised in Eastern Europe are relevant in the Just transition context for India. The conversation at the EU at a policy level has only covered issues of energy poverty. However, as energy prices increase, we need to focus on ensuring equity for poor consumers.
• In the case of net metering policies, PV consumers pay only for the net amount of energy produced. This creates a mismatch as poorer households, who usually cannot pay for PV installations, are paying the cost of upholding the distribution network. 
• In EU, the transition is driven at the national level. A stronger push on regulations and policies at a sub-national and local level will be required to ensure equitable energy transition. 

Akanksha Golcha, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation

• Transition pathways will vary depending upon geography. We need to consider social transition of not only direct coal-affected communities, but also indirect stakeholders located near coal mines. A data-centric approach and convergence between centralized and decentralised power supply approach is important to plan and streamline for a Just transition. 
• Central policies are necessary to drive the overall national objectives, but we also need a bottom-up approach that considers multiple aspects such as gender. 
• Saubhagya Scheme was successfully undertaken in rural areas. A similar approach is required for a Just transition to ensure economically poor households can benefit equitably. 

Panel Discussion 2: Just Energy transition in India

Dr. Kaveri Iychettira, School of Public Policy, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

• Much of the literature on energy has focused mainly on economic thinking to structure the power sector and utility regulation but has not considered equity thinking. This has led to only states with a strong capital being able to integrate renewables, highlighting the equity challenge in the sector. 
• The regulatory framework is only directed at efficiency and not at equity which does not resolve cost-recovery issues. Therefore, we need to take a deeper look from the equity perspective to understand why there is a mismatch in states managing their power sector debt. 
• We need better integrate markets to enable grid flexibility where short-term markets are going to be important to integrate renewables. A higher RE-integrated power systems needs to have inter-state exchange of electricity supply to meet the targets set for decarbonization.  

Sreekumar N, Prayas Energy Group

• Electricity sector is now being looked at from diverse perspectives as we address challenges in the transport, agriculture, cooking, industry sectors that are transitioning towards electrification. 
• Institutional strengthening needs to be supported for key stakeholders including:
  • Regulatory commissions who play a role in taking a holistic sectoral perspective 
  • Distribution companies who need to balance the mismatch between losses and new market instruments in renewables.   
  • Load dispatch centres so they have access to adequate resources 
  • Transmission investment focused on addressing grid security challenges.
• Civil society organisations need to push for innovations that will direct a Just transition ensuring affordable, quality supply to all consumers.

Special Remarks: Role of regulators to facilitate Just Transition

Shri D. Radhakrishnan, Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission

• The Indian power sector is striving towards leading the renewable energy markets, so the transition towards renewables needs to take place in a Just and systematic manner with innovations emphasised in various sectors such as transport, consumer awareness and rural market access. We also need to ensure safety in the power sector by tackling local-level issues such as electricity overloading before going on to the transition phase. In the rural areas, the focus needs to be on ensuring ease of access to clean cooking.
• Cities will transition towards electrification as Smart City Mission rolls out and transport means in the public (Metro) and private (e-vehicles) sectors expand.  It is expected that electricity consumption will rise from 18-19% to around 40% in next 10-12 years through the transport sector. 
• At Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission, Consumer Education Forum has been formed to consider consumers’ rights, opportunities, and rules.  

Like any other state in India, Tamil Nadu principally relies on coal for its energy production which is a major contributor to climate change and raises the vulnerability of Tamil Nadu and other Indian states to frequent natural disasters and extreme weather events. Public concern about climate change was largely informed via media consumption. It's important for climate change to become a bigger part of the national conversation, along with what's causing it: the burning of oil, gas and coal and the media has a big role to play in it. During this workshop, reputed journalist, Mr. Bhasker Tripathi spoke about how upcoming journalists can engage more people on the issue of climate change and how to tell the story of the climate change and tell it accurately.

Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG), in association with the Electricity Consumer Cell - Tirunelveli, organized a webinar on energy efficiency & electrical safety on June 22, 2021 via Zoom platform. This session was attended by over 50 electricity consumers from the Tirunelveli district.

Dr.Ganapathy Subramaniam, Coordinator - ECC Tirunelveli presented a brief introduction about the Tirunelveli Electricity Consumer Cell, the nature of work carried out by them and the range of electricity issues handled.

Following the introduction, Mr.Shanmugam, Advisor - ECC Tirunelveli welcomed the participants of the webinar and introduced the chief guest of the session, Mrs.Siva Sathiya Valli, Head of Tirunelveli Government Museum. Mrs. Siva Sathiya, took the opportunity to deliver a special welcome address and brought to focus the significance of electricity and the need to take active measures to ensure electrical safety.

Subsequently, Mr.Balaji, Researcher, CAG introduced CAG and its work across different sectors. He also provided  an overview of CAG’s Electricity Consumer Cells initiative run in seven districts of Tamil Nadu - Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli, Salem, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchirapalli and Vellore.

Er.Petchimuthu,Assistant Executive Engineer (Safety), TANGEDCO, the key speaker of the webinar, made his  presentation on electricity, its significance, the level of dependency we have on it and the importance of electrical safety. He began by explaining how electrical accidents occur and cautioned his listeners that damaged wires or contacting electrical wires which are connected to the electricity supply have a high probability of causing electrical accidents. He stated that a dry human body is 1,00,000 Ohms resistant to electricity and that if the human body is subjected to over 80 milli Ampere of current it would be a cause of fatality. He shed light on electrical accidents that occured during 2020-2021 and advised electricity consumers to strictly follow the below best practices:

1. Use electrical wires and wiring connections that are  ISI certified. 
2. Engage an electrician who is licensed by Govt of Tamil Nadu to do household wiring.
3. Install earth leakage circuit breaker near the electricity meter in the premises to avoid electrical accidents.
4. Ensure that the switch is in OFF condition, before inserting a plug into the socket.
5. Use heavy appliances like Refrigerator, Grinder, Motor, Iron Box with three-pin sockets. No connection should be given to the plug point without a socket.
6. Consider avoiding usage of immersion type water heaters since it is among the leading cause for electrocution. 
7. Place the electricity meter where there are no leakages and ensure that the meter is  easy to access for assessment/taking meter readings. . 
8. Surround iron pipes which are used to support electrical wires with PVC pipes for  insulation. 
9. Do not overload an electrical socket by connecting more than one appliance to it. 
10. Do not dry clothes or tie animals to an electric pole or  supporting fixtures. 
11. Avoid  constructing buildings  near or under hanging electrical wires 
12. Be sure to get  proper approval from TANGEDCO before cutting down branches of trees near electrical wires. 
13. Avoid tying decoration lights  to trees or iron gates.. 
14. Do not stand under trees or electric poles or empty land when lightning and thunder strikes.
15. Avoid electrical usage in areas which show signs of stagnant/leaking water.

He concluded the presentation by sharing anecdotes to support his advice on what an average electricity consumer should and shouldn’t do. He further guided the participants on what consumers should do if  they are  affected by electrical accidents. He also shared TANGEDCO’s fuse-off call number (1912) and Minnagam’s customer care number ( 94987 94987) with the participants. 

Mr. Muthusamy, Junior Consultant, ECC Tirunelveli concluded the webinar with a Vote of Thanks.