The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) has approved six companies in Coimbatore, Tirupur and the Nilgiris Districts, including three here, for supply of meters directly to consumers.
Since January 1 this year, TANGEDCO was unable to supply single phase motors to applicants who wanted new power connection.
Nearly 30,000 connections were pending in need of meters here.
During the last one month the private companies approved by TANGEDCO had supplied 10,000 meters here, says A. Thangavel, Chief Engineer of TANGEDCO, Coimbatore.
Another 20,000 meters need to be supplied. Since there was a shortage now it could take a month for the pending requirements to be completely met and the supply to be normal, he adds.
The problem is mainly for single phase meters and the supply of three phase meters has not been affected.
K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, says meter shortage and the consequent delay in providing electricity connection is on since 2007 in phases. Consumers can now purchase directly from the TANGEDCO-approved manufacturers.
The manufacturers know the demand and should be able to cater to it on time.
The TANGEDCO could also increase the number of suppliers or ask those distributing the meters now to increase the supply.
“It is the duty and responsibility of the TANGEDCO to ensure that the supply is adequate,” he said.
