January 10, 2024: The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNREC), in a suo-motu order, has stated that the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) should not insist on a completion certificate for existing domestic connections opting for commercial tariffs, as per media reports. The move by the TNREC, which addressed numerous consumer complaints against Tangedco, aims to benefit electricity consumers in Chennai and neighbouring districts.
As per a TOI report, the TNREC stated that the characteristic nature of such buildings will not change, though the purpose of usage of the building may change in due course. The order stated that if a house is exempted from production of a completion certificate at the time of effecting service connection and subsequently if the usage of the building warranted change, the resultant change would require only a revision of the tariff and not a revision of the building category. The regulatory body also cited its tariff order issued in 2022 to substantiate the stand.
However, Tangedco did not implement the directions issued by the commission, expressing the inability to abide by the instructions regarding tariff change, citing the Madras High Court stay order. The commission said there is a distinct difference between ‘grant of electricity service connection’ and ‘change of tariff’.
As cited in a Dtnext report, the TNREC said that while effecting new service connections, Tangedco must strictly comply with the TN Electricity Distribution Code, TN Electricity Supply Code, applicable laws in force and the orders of courts of competent jurisdiction, if any. The order is for strict compliance by Tangedco and its officials, and any non-compliance would be dealt with by the relevant penal provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, it said.
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