The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) has decided to implement a host of measures such as an increase in the quantum of power cut for high tension (HT) industrial units from 20 per cent to 40 per cent and reintroduction of the scheme of power holiday besides increasing the duration of load shedding for Chennai by one hour and the rest of the State by two hours.
This follows widespread protests against the steep increase in duration of unscheduled load shedding in most parts of the State, ranging from six to eight hours.
Confirming the decisions, a senior official said that the Corporation was working out the specifics. It might not implement all its decisions together.
It would prefer to study the situation before translating them into action.
Under the power holiday system, the authorities would broadly divide the State into six zones so that the one-day holiday was staggered among industrial establishments all over the State.
A formal announcement, giving details of the measures, is expected shortly, another official said.
At present, the scheduled load shedding in Chennai is for one hour and in other parts of the State, two hours. Peak hour restrictions for HT units are in force in the evening (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.), besides 20 per cent power cut. Peak hour restrictions may be made applicable to more categories of consumers.
On Friday afternoon, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa held a meeting with senior Ministers and government officials to review the supply position. The TANGEDCO was advised to monitor closely the execution of power generation projects and ensure their commissioning as per schedule.
