The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation has proposed stringent penalties for different categories of high tension consumers for violating the scheme of power holiday.
To tide over the problem of power shortage, the TANGEDCO is implementing, since March 1, the scheme of power holiday for industrial units in high tension (HT), low tension (LT) and low tension current transformer (LTCT) categories. Dividing the State into six regions, the Corporation allotted one such day to each region. In addition, Sunday would be a holiday for HT and extra HT industrial units. During power holidays, the industrial units have been permitted to draw power up to 10 per cent of their quota.
In its petition filed before the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC), the Corporation has sought the imposition of penal provisions in case the units draw power more than the permissible load.
If the proposals of the Corporation are accepted, they will cover over five lakh consumers. The Commission has sought comments from interested consumers on or before May 20.
HT, LT and LTCT industrial consumers who violate the norms for the first time will have to pay the excess demand and energy charges thrice the normal rate. For the second time violation, they will have to face the reduction of their quota to 10 per cent or disconnection of service for 48 hours, apart from the levy of demand and energy charges thrice the normal rate. Alternatively, the charges will be four times the normal rate. For the third and subsequent instances of violation, one time excess demand and energy charges will be levied in addition to what has been prescribed.
In respect of those HT consumers who rely on open access for the purchase of power; who avail themselves power from captive power plants and who have banking arrangements for their wind mills, the first-time violation will invite the levy of excess charges five times the normal charges and the second-time defiance will also lead to the suspension of drawal of power for 72 hours from their respective sources, apart from the penalty. For the third and subsequent cases of violation, one time excess charges will be imposed.
