News Tamil Nadu

Dravidian Model Of Fascism: TANGEDCO’s Official X Account Threatens To Cut Electricity Connection Of Netizen For Criticizing Non-Implementation Of Monthly Billing, Deletes Post After Backlash

July 16, 2024
The Commune

Following the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (TNERC) announcement of a 4.83% increase in electricity tariffs for all consumers, effective from 1 July this year, public outcry ensued, particularly among those already burdened by previous hikes.

The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) posted a explanation on its official X account to clarify the new tariff adjustments. This sparked widespread online criticism from netizens, who blamed the DMK government for failing to fulfill its promises to lower electricity tariffs, instead revising them upwards multiple times since taking office.

Frustrated netizens expressed their grievances in comments that, “In this DMK regime, you made power cut by calling it power maintenance. that’s okay. But the electricity supply is interrupted 5 times daily in Keelakarai why is there no break period for this?” Yet, the netizen received a standard response from TANGEDCO, “Your tweet is noted for rectification. Thank you for writing to us.” TANGEDCO gave a sham explanation that the power outage lasted only 15 minutes. However, the netizen elaborated that their complaint was not for attention-seeking purposes and emphasized that experiencing such power cuts, even in the mornings, was unusual. Subsequently, there was no further response from TANGEDCO. Another netizen frustrated by the standard reply from the TANGEDCO asked, “Where is the response to my complaints?” but the TANGEDCO preferred to be silent.

Another netizen inquired, “Okay, when will the monthly electricity bill come into effect?” TANGEDCO responded promptly, adopting a stern authoritarian tone stating, “We ask that you treat our staff the same manner you expect to be treated. Indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour will not be tolerated. We may refuse service to anyone who is disrespectful towards our staff. FYI @tnpoliceoffl @tncybercrimeoff.”

 

Other netizens grew increasingly incensed and continued their critique, pressing further with inquiries., “You expect respect, when the common man gets angry at the injustice in your government, why do you @TANGEDCO_Offcl act like not giving respect? Will the practice of charging electricity once a month come or not?” Netizens quoted an old video of MK Stalin who had criticized the two-month billing system, expressing concern over its impact on ordinary people.

Another netizen ridiculed the TANGEDCO asking, “Worthy of great respect, of affection, of love @TANGEDCO_Offcl Sir, Eager to know the details when the monthly electricity tariff system will be introduced in Tamil Nadu. Thus Your dear Shangi.”

Another netizen criticized TANGEDCO’s response to the previous netizen, likening it to behavior more typical of a political party’s IT wing than a responsible government agency. The netizen stated, “Dear @TANGEDCO_Offcl, Is TANGEDCO effectively addressing people’s grievances and problems by responding to thousands of disrespectful comments? Moreover, your response doesn’t reflect that of a government service agency but rather resembles the threatening tone of a political party’s IT wing. Your reply seems to encourage power board employees, who work tirelessly in all conditions, to respond in a disrespectful manner. Additionally, what is the purpose of tagging @tnpoliceoffl and @tncybercrimeoff? Please refrain from responding to disrespectful comments like a political party’s IT wing and instead report any false posts. This reflects the sentiments of the general public.”

Another netizen reacted by that TANGEDCO engages in all sorts of politics but neglects to address genuine grievances, “All this, you speak well…. the problem mentioned below been raised more than 15 days… No response yet… Atleast could have said that we will investigate and take appropriate action.”

Following this public backlash, TANGEDCO deleted the tweet from its timeline.

What Is The Tarrif Revision?

According to the latest tariff determination order by TNERC, the electricity charges have been adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The tariff revisions for domestic consumers now range from an increase of 20 paise to 55 paise per unit across different usage slabs. For instance, the unit cost in the lowest slab (up to 400 units bi-monthly) rises from ₹4.60 to ₹4.80 per unit, while for 401-500 units, it increases from ₹6.15 to ₹6.45 per unit. Similarly, for 501-600 units, it rises from ₹8.15 to ₹8.55, and for 601-800 units, it increases from ₹9.20 to ₹9.65 per unit. The tariff for 801-1000 units rises from ₹10.20 to ₹10.70 per unit, and for consumption above 1,000 units, it increases from ₹11.25 to ₹11.80 per unit.

For a consumer using 500 units bi-monthly, the new charges would amount to ₹2,565, compared to the previous rate of ₹2,455. Regarding common facilities in multi-storey apartments under tariff category 1E (apartments with more than three floors without lifts), the unit rate has been increased to ₹8.55 from ₹8.15 per unit, and the fixed charges have been adjusted to ₹107 per kilowatt per month, up from ₹102.

Additionally, the tariff for other categories such as public lighting, water supply, sewage, places of worship, cottage and micro industries, private educational institutions and hostels, and industries and information technology services has also been revised upwards.

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