Single-day power connection scheme does well: Minister

The single-day power service connection scheme of the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has proved a big hit in the State. Three lakh consumers have been provided power connection under this scheme since July 1 last year, Electricity Minister P. Thangamani said.

Speaking to press persons on the sidelines of the meeting to review the progress of the electricity projects in the Erode region at the Collectorate here on Thursday, Mr. Thangamani said Tangedco had sanctioned about 10,000 power connections under the tatkal scheme during the same period.

The Minister said that effective steps taken by the State Government had turned Tamil Nadu into a power surplus State, from a power deficit State, within a few years. Power cut had become a thing of the past. The State would not witness any power cut not only during this summer, but also in the future.

Earlier, the Minister said at the review meeting that a total of 2,449 power connections were sanctioned under the tatkal scheme in Erode region against a target of 1,737.

Referring to power connections to farmers, Mr. Thangamani said that in 2017-18, 6,433 power connections for the pump sets of farmers were sanctioned. The break-up was: through regular registration of applications 2,995, self-financing scheme 1,115, government scheme 32 and under the tatkal scheme 2,291.

The Minister said the Tangedco App to enable consumers remit power consumption charges through mobile phones had also evoked a good response. Totally, 8,267 consumers had remitted charges to the tune of ₹41.34 lakh.

Social Welfare Minister V. Saroja, Namakkal Collector M. Asia Mariam, Tangedco Distribution Director M. A. Helen, Director D. Senthilvel, and Chief Engineer, Erode Region, M. Chandrasekaran took part in the meeting.