TNPDCL asks High Tension electricity consumers to use gen sets at night hours

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has requested high tension electricity consumers (HT consumers) to switch over to generators from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The TNPDCL officials have been sending messages in this regard to HT consumers in each circle for the past two weeks. “This has come only as a suggestion or a request from the TNPDCL. In some places, they are asking the HT consumers to use gen sets from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and in some other places, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.,” said N. Pradeep, secretary, the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore.

While the consumers have not said no to the TNPDCL officials, they have expressed concern nontheless. “This should hopefully be a temporary situation that will be addressed at the earliest. However, even for short term, the TNPDCL, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the State government should look at temporary measures that will encourage the HT consumers to switch over from grid power to other sources,” said Durai Palaniswamy, chairman of the Southern India Mills’ Association.

“It is simply not viable for foundries to switch over to gen sets. If the grid power costs ₹7, using a gen set will cost almost ₹16 a unit. Further, gen sets will not support production processes in foundries,” said a foundry owner.

Openend Spinning Mills Association president G. Arulmozhi appealed to the government to ensure continuous power supply to HT consumers. The total increase in production cost when gensets are used will be ₹30 a unit, which is unviable for the manufacturing sector, he said.

The HT consumers who have dedicated feeders should be permitted to purchase their power requirements and there should be no load shedding for them. For others, the government should look at providing financial support to the HT consumers so that it is viable for them to buy diesel for the gensets.

Mr. Pradeep added the government should take steps to immediately buy power to meet the needs of the State, when the long term power purchase agreements end next year.