The Tamil Nadu State Government Minister for Electricity, V. Senthil Balaji informed yesterday (Tuesday, 20th December) that TANGEDCO has initiated the process for procurement of smart meters to be installed in the premises of the customer
The Minister further informed that once the smart meters are installed, the ruling party DMK promise OF monthly bills for payment for consumption of power residences and another establishment!
The Electricity Minister had undertaken the task of reviewing the progress of the installation of 50000 agricultural connections. He shared that at present, the utility has assessors to carry out bi-monthly billing.
He said, “To implement the monthly billing system, we have to recruit more assessors. If we appoint new assessors, their utility would be not needed after the installation of the smart meters!”
“TANGEDCO has commenced the process of the smart meters procurement. “We will invite tenders for smart meters procurement soon”
He observed that On the target of 50,000 agricultural connections to be given this year, TANGEDCO has effected 34,134 agricultural connections this year. The rest of the connections will be given before the Pongal festival in January next year.
The Electricity Minister pointed out that the chief minister launched the 50,000 agricultural connections scheme on November 11 by distributing the orders to 20,000 farmers.
When asked about material shortage to attend the outage works, he said, “There was adequate stock of materials which were brought through tender. If needed, we will procure further.”
The Minister shared regarding the Aadhar Linking with Electricity Connection Number that as of now, 1.2 Crores out of 2.67 consumers have linked their Aadhar and asked all the consumers to link by this month`s end.
On a question raised on the additional revenue following tariff revision, the minister said they targeted an additional annual revenue of Rs 19,000 after the tariff revision.
“After conceding to the demands of the domestic and MSME consumers, we are getting additional revenue of Rs 1,000 Crores a month. TANGEDCO has taken an effort to reduce the interest on loans and increased revenue through the sale of fly ash from Rs 7 Crores a month to Rs 13.8 Crores a month. “In the next three years, we will achieve break even!”
In a nutshell, TANGEDCO IS to invite tenders for procuring smart meters soon On the target of 50,000 agricultural connections to be given this year, he said as of date, TANGEDCO has effected 34,134 agricultural connections this year. The restst of the connections will be given before the Pongal festival in January next year.