Regulator seeks comments on power distribution in Tamil Nadu

Chennai : The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has invited suggestions from all stakeholders on a petition filed by Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd (TANGEDCO) on the distribution of power in the state.

The state power utility in the petition says it wants to continue with the current system of power distribution in the state – two hours of power cut in Chennai and 8 to 12 hours of power cut in other parts of the state.

People and industries have demanded equitable distribution of power or equitable power cuts across the state.

TNERC wants stakeholders to make their comments by Dec 21, 2012.

TANGEDCO has approached TNERC following a court order.

TANGEDCO in its petition has justified preferential treatment to Chennai as it is the state capital, housing establishments like legislative assembly, high court, government secretariat, officers of Consulate and embassy of foreign states, international/national airports, ports, major hospitals and others.

According to TANGEDCO, the pillar box fuses in Chennai would not last after prolonged duration of load shedding owing to the cramped status of distribution network.

The utility cited Karnataka where Bangalore being its capital city has been totally exempted from power cuts while other parts of the state are subjected to load shedding.

According to TANGEDCO, there is a net power deficit of around 4,000 MW in the state during peak as well as day time.

Around 4,300 MW of additional generation capacity is expected to be added before December 2013.

In an effort to augment the power supply situation in the state TANGEDCO has said that it has tied up with private generators located outside the southern region for supply of 500 MW from June next for three years.