A class 12 student died of electrocution in Thiruvottriyur, sparking public outrage and a two-hour road blockade against the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB).

The victim, identified as Nafil, was returning home after attending tuition classes on Tuesday evening when he stepped into a pool of rainwater that had come into contact with a leaking underground power cable. He died on the spot.

Local residents blamed the incident on negligence by the Electricity Board, citing improper cable installation as the cause of the leak. Protesters gathered at the scene and blocked the road for nearly two hours, demanding accountability and swift action from authorities.

சென்னை திருவொற்றியூரில் மின்சாரத்துறையினர் மெத்தனத்தால் 17வயது சிறுவன் மின்சாரம் தாக்கி உயிரிழப்பு

சிறுவனுக்கு நீதி வேண்டி அப்பகுதி மக்கள் போராட்டம் !!!#DmkFailsTN pic.twitter.com/nOJvP3cSCw

— Phoenix Vignesh (@PhoenixAdmk) July 2, 2025

This is not the first such incident in the area. According to locals, two individuals had previously sustained injuries due to similar electrical hazards. The latest fatality has intensified anger and concern in the community, particularly as the victim was a school student.

Police and electricity officials arrived at the scene and assured the public that the matter would be investigated.

(With inputs from Maalai Malar)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post 17-Yr-Old Student Dies Of Electrocution In Thiruvottriyur, Public Protest Erupts Against TN Electricity Board appeared first on The Commune.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss has declared the party’s willingness to support a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation into the corruption allegations against the Adani Group. Simultaneously, he has challenged Chief Minister MK Stalin whether he is ready to initiate a CBI probe into the corruption allegations involving the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB).

நாங்க ரெடி; நீங்க ரெடியா
முதல்வரை கேட்கிறார் அன்புமணி!#Anbumani |#CBI |#Adani |#CMOhttps://t.co/y4W3uzOWeZ pic.twitter.com/JmGPv8581k

— Dinamalar (@dinamalarweb) December 10, 2024

During an Assembly session, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin questioned whether the BJP and PMK, who have been critical of the DMK, would support a JPC probe into the Adani allegations in Parliament. Responding to this question, Anbumani stated that the PMK is fully prepared to back such an inquiry. He emphasized that during a prior press conference, he had already called for an investigation into the corruption charges against Adani.

Anbumani also dismissed the claim that there was a direct agreement between the Adani Group and TNEB, accusing CM Stalin of being misinformed. He highlighted that the PMK has demanded clarity from the Tamil Nadu government regarding a case filed in a U.S. court, which allegedly accused the Adani Group of bribing the TNEB to purchase electricity through the Solar Power Corporation of India.

“If there is no wrongdoing, there should be no fear of investigation,” Anbumani remarked. He questioned why the state government and CM Stalin have avoided addressing the issue and resisted calls for a probe.

The PMK reiterated its support for a JPC investigation into the Adani corruption allegations. Simultaneously, Anbumani urged CM Stalin to announce whether he is willing to order a CBI or Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, under Supreme Court supervision, into the bribery allegations involving the Adani Group and TNEB.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post PMK Chief Anbumani Ramadoss Challenges CM Stalin: Calls For CBI Probe Into TNEB Corruption, Supports JPC Inquiry Into Adani Allegations appeared first on The Commune.

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) is expected to award the first phase of its ambitious smart metering initiative to Adani Energy Solutions Limited (AESL), a subsidiary of the Adani Group. According to senior sources within the TNEB, AESL has emerged as the lowest bidder for the project.

The initiative, which is part of the Union government’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), aims to enhance the efficiency of electricity distribution through advanced metering infrastructure. AESL’s proposal highlights Tamil Nadu as a priority state, with plans to install the highest number of meters among participating states. The initial budgetary allocation for the project in Tamil Nadu is approximately ₹19,000 crore.

The tender for the first package, currently in the financial bid evaluation stage, lists AESL as the lowest bidder on the state government’s official tender portal. While this positions AESL favorably, TNEB officials noted that a final decision is pending.

The smart metering project, initiated in August 2023, was divided into four packages to cover different regions of the state. Each package encompasses the installation of approximately 80 lakh smart meters, totaling around three crore meters. Tamil Nadu, the state with the highest number of sanctioned meters under the RDSS, has experienced delays in contract finalization due to legal hurdles, although these issues have now been resolved.

If selected, AESL will act as the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) under the Design, Build, Finance, Own, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOOT) model. As per RDSS guidelines, the AMISP will handle the project’s infrastructure and operations for 10 years using a TOTEX (total expenditure) framework, which combines capital and operational expenses.

The AMISP’s responsibilities will include providing, maintaining, and operating the smart metering infrastructure. While an initial portion of the capital cost will be borne by the government, the remaining expenses will be paid over time on a per-meter, per-month basis during the operational period.

According to TNEB officials, AESL has quoted service charges higher than the rates it offered in other states, where charges were reportedly under ₹120 per meter per month. Negotiations are underway to bring the quoted price down. TNEB has already piloted smart metering in Chennai’s T Nagar area, installing 1.10 lakh meters as part of the Smart City project in 2018.

DMK Hypocrisy Exposed – Here’s How They Publicly Vilified Adani

In February 2023, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into allegations against the Adani Group, describing the accusations as a direct reflection on the Central government. He urged Parliament to hold a debate on the issue, emphasizing the significance of accountability. Stalin criticized the expunction of Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about Adani in the Lok Sabha, calling it an affront to parliamentary democracy, and stated that such actions cannot erase the concerns from public memory. He also condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to address questions raised by the opposition, particularly regarding the Hindenburg Research report on the Adani Group.

At a rally in Tamil Nadu in April 2024 just before the Lok Sabha polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi government of operating as the “Adani government,” claiming it favours billionaire Gautam Adani in key projects. Rahul alleged that infrastructure projects, including airports and highways, are systematically handed over to Adani, citing the example of Mumbai airport, where he claimed a CBI inquiry led to its transfer to Adani. He further stated that his Lok Sabha membership was revoked after raising the Adani issue in Parliament.

In September 2023, amidst the “Eradicate Sanatana Dharma” controversy, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of using it as a distraction from critical issues such as the Adani controversy, corruption, and the Manipur violence. He alleged that the BJP twisted his remarks on Sanatan Dharma to shield itself from public scrutiny over failures and accused Modi of evading accountability by “globe-trotting.”

In February 2023, DMK MP Kanimozhi questioned the government’s stance equating criticism of the Adani Group with questioning India and demanding clarification on this linkage. Participating in a Lok Sabha debate, she criticized the ruling BJP for shielding corporates, citing the government’s vehement reactions to any mention of Adani while other nations treated such reports as company-specific issues.

"Adani ஒழிக. Corporate கை கூலி ஒழிக."

The DMK protested and called for an investigation into #Adani following the allegations made by Hindenburg.

The #DMK accused Modi of acting as Adani's proxy.

If Adani is indeed corrupt and unstable as a firm, which rational state… https://t.co/a8MmA45dQV pic.twitter.com/nLagGkNqK2

— Saikiran Kannan | 赛基兰坎南 (@saikirankannan) December 5, 2024

The Adani Group has announced an investment of over ₹42,700 crore in Tamil Nadu through various group companies, as part of its commitments made at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024. The largest investment, ₹24,500 crore, will be made by Adani Green Energy in three pump storage projects over the next 5-7 years. Adani Connex plans to invest ₹13,200 crore in a hyperscale data center, while Ambuja Cements will invest ₹3,500 crore in three cement grinding units. Additionally, Adani Total Gas will invest ₹1,568 crore to expand its operations over the next 8 years.

The DMK has been vocal in demanding an investigation into Adani following the allegations made by Hindenburg. However, this stance appears contradictory as the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government simultaneously awards contracts to Adani and accepts his investments in the state. While criticizing Adani is a strategy to target the central government, it raises questions about the state’s position. If Adani is as corrupt and unstable as claimed, why would a rational state government entrust him with major contracts? Or does the DMK now consider Adani and his firm above reproach?

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Dravidian Model Hypocrisy: TNEB Poised To Award Smart Meter Contracts To Adani Group; Here’s How DMK Publicly Vilified Adani appeared first on The Commune.

From the outset, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu has consistently worked towards canceling the contract granted to BGR Energy. In the previous month of February, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) terminated a minor contract awarded to BGR Energy for establishing a substation, citing significant delays in project execution.

This move by the TNEB follows a checkered history with BGR Energy, as the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) had previously scrapped a contract with the company in April 2021, citing its consistent failure to meet performance expectations. Financial indicators also paint a grim picture for BGR Energy, revealing a bank balance of a mere ₹33 crore last year and a staggering net loss of ₹355 crores.

The BJP Tamil Nadu has been criticizing the ruling DMK government’s attempt to revive the contract. The TANGEDCO apart from silently cancelling the contract has now recovered₹128 Crore Bank Guarantee submitted by BGR following the continuous whistleblowing by K. Annamalai.

The Tamil Nadu BJP president, through the official X handle, has provided a detailed account of the matter, raising questions and seeking an explanation for this decision from the taxpayers of the state. “Since October 2021, @BJP4TamilNadu has repeatedly voiced against the DMK govt’s decision not to award the ₹4472 Crore contract back to BGR Energy. The Gopalapuram family & the former Minister without portfolio, who is currently imprisoned for corruption, never heeded our request not to waste taxpayers’ money. After all their efforts to revive fell flat, TANGEDCO discreetly cancelled this contract early this year and has recovered the ₹128 Crore Bank Guarantee submitted by BGR. Now that this contract is cancelled again, will TN CM Thiru @mkstalin explain to the people of TN at least why he was desperate to revive this company?”

Since October 2021, @BJP4TamilNadu has repeatedly voiced against the DMK govt's decision not to award the ₹4472 Crore contract back to BGR Energy. The Gopalapuram family & the former Minister without portfolio, who is currently imprisoned for corruption, never heeded our request… pic.twitter.com/7a509uQSWE

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) March 9, 2024

A timeline of events related to the Lanco Infratech project, highlighting the bankruptcy of Lanco Infratech, the renewal of environmental clearance, and the project’s subsequent award to BGR Energy Systems was released by Annamalai. It outlines the cancellation of the Letter of Intent (LOI) in April 2021, BGR Energy’s legal petition, and the order by the Chief Minister, MK Stalin, to reinstate the contract. The BJP exposed alleged connections between the Gopalapuram family, BGR Energy, and the former minister. Despite a settlement between TANGEDCO and BGR, the project reportedly showed no progress, leading to the silent cancellation of the contract in January 2024. TANGEDCO had to encash the ₹128 Crore Bank Guarantee due to the delay in project commencement.

Context Timeline:

The timeline presented outlines the events related to the 1 x 660 MW Supercritical Thermal Power Station Project in Ennore, Tamil Nadu:

1. In 2014, Lanco Infratech was awarded the project.
2. By 2017, Lanco Infratech declared bankruptcy and filed for liquidation before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
3. On 11.12.2019, environmental clearance was renewed, and the project was awarded to BGR Energy Systems on 12.12.2019, valued at 74472 Crores.
4. On 23.04.2021, TANGEDCO informed BGR Systems about the cancellation of the Letter of Intent (LOI) regarding the contract award.
5. On 28.04.2021, BGR Energy filed a Writ Petition at the Madras High Court, with Senior Advocate P Wilson (DMK Rajya Sabha MP) appearing as senior counsel for BGR Energy.
6. In August 2021, a High-level committee chaired by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, ordered the reinstatement of the contract to BGR Energy.
7. In October 2021, BJP Tamil Nadu exposed alleged connections between the Gopalapuram Family, BGR Energy, and former Minister Senthil Balaji.
8. In February 2022, TANGEDCO and BGR reached a settlement, leading to the withdrawal of the writ petition against TANGEDCO by BGR Energy.
9. On 09.03.2022, TANGEDCO reinstated the Letter of Award (LOA) to BGR with a new commencement date for the contract.
10. On 19.08.2023, BJP Tamil Nadu published a letter from TANGEDCO to BGR Energy, indicating no progress in the project after 15 months of reinstating the contract.
11. In January 2024, the contract issued to BGR was silently canceled as the debt-ridden BGR Energy, attempting revival, reportedly “failed” due to Senthil Balaji’s imprisonment since June 2023.
12. On 5th February 2024, TANGEDCO had to encash the Rs. 128 Crore Bank Guarantee issued by BGR Energy due to the delay in the commencement of work.

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) terminated a contract awarded to BGR Energy for a substation project due to significant delays in execution. This decision follows a previous contract cancellation by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) in April 2021, citing consistent performance failures by BGR Energy. Financially, BGR Energy faces challenges with a low bank balance of ₹33 crore and a substantial net loss of ₹355 crores.

Despite these setbacks, BGR Energy recently secured a major project, the 660 MW Ennore Thermal Power Station expansion, valued at ₹4,442 crores. The allocation of this significant project after the contract termination raises concerns.

Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai expressed concerns on social media, highlighting potential financial losses for the government and suggesting action against individuals supporting such contractors. He commended Chief Minister MK Stalin for reinstating the ETPS project in favor of BGR Energy. Annamalai questioned the ability of a financially constrained company to manage a large-scale power plant, emphasizing the seriousness of the inquiry.

In 2022, Annamalai had previously accused TANGEDCO of offering the ₹4,442 crore deal to BGR Energy amid financial troubles, alleging favoritism by the DMK government. Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji denied wrongdoing, citing due diligence.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post TN BJP Chief Annamalai Slams DMK As TANGEDCO Cancel Contract And Recovers Bank Guarantees Submitted By BGR appeared first on The Commune.

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) has terminated a minor contract awarded to BGR Energy for the establishment of a substation, citing significant delays in project execution.

This move by the TNEB follows a checkered history with BGR Energy, as the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) had previously scrapped a contract with the company in April 2021, citing its consistent failure to meet performance expectations. Financial indicators also paint a grim picture for BGR Energy, revealing a bank balance of a mere ₹33 crore last year and a staggering net loss of ₹355 crores.

Despite this setback, it’s worth noting that TANGEDCO recently allocated a significant project to BGR Energy Systems Ltd. The 660 MW super-critical Ennore Thermal Power Station expansion project, valued at ₹4,442 crores, raises eyebrows in light of the recent contract cancellation.

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party Chief K Annamalai took to his official X handle to write about it. He wrote, “The contract for the establishment of a substation awarded to BGR Energy by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board has been revoked due to delays in project execution. There are indications that the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board is considering taking action against individuals supporting such contractors, potentially leading to financial losses for the government. In response to this situation, Chief Minister MK Stalin of Tamil Nadu has received commendation for reinstating the Rs. 4,442 crore Ennore Thermal Power Station (ETPS) project in favor of BGR Energy. It is suggested that the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board should also consider taking action against MK Stalin in this matter. In June 2023, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board penned a letter expressing disapproval for the delay in initiating the contract that had been reassigned to BGR Energy in 2022. The question on ability of a company facing financial constraints and unable to execute a modest substation project, but how they can effectively manage a larger-scale power plant. MK Stalin is unlikely to comprehend the gravity of this inquiry.”

தமிழ்நாடு மின்சார வாரியம், ஒரு துணை மின்நிலையத்தை அமைப்பதற்காக BGR Energy நிறுவனத்துக்கு வழங்கப்பட்ட ஒரு சிறிய ஒப்பந்தத்தை, பணியை நிறைவேற்றுவதில் ஏற்பட்ட காலதாமதம் காரணமாக ரத்து செய்துள்ளது. இதுபோன்ற ஒப்பந்ததாரர்களுக்கு ஆதரவாக செயல்பட்டு, அரசுக் கருவூலத்துக்கு இழப்பை… pic.twitter.com/SdpnfN0Cvs

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) January 31, 2024

It is noteworthy that in 2022, Annamalai had raised this allegation that TANGEDCO offered a ₹4,442 crore deal to BGR Energy Systems Ltd. for a power project, violating procedures especially when the company was going through financial issues. He also accused the DMK government of favoritism, while Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji denied wrongdoing, citing due diligence.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post TNEB Terminates Contract Awarded To BGR Energy; TN BJP Head Annamalai Calls For Action appeared first on The Commune.

Following a recent increase in electricity rates, the Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued an order stating that an additional 4.7% increase will be implemented starting from 1 July 2023, merely nine months after the previous hike.

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board submitted an application to the regulatory authority on 18 July 2022, to raise power consumption and introduce new connection charges in order to overcome the financial crisis.

As per the new pricing structure, households consuming up to 400 units will be charged ₹ 4.50 per unit. The rate increases to ₹ 6 per unit for consumption ranging from ₹ 401 to ₹ 500, ₹ 8 per unit for consumption between ₹ 501 and ₹600, and ₹ 9 per unit for consumption from ₹ 601 to ₹ 800. For consumption ranging from ₹ 801 to ₹ 1,000, the rate is set at ₹ 10 per unit. Furthermore, any consumption above ₹ 1,001 will be charged at a higher rate of ₹ 11 per unit.

Under the previous tariff structure, residential properties were charged between ₹ 2.50 and ₹ 6.60 per unit for electricity consumption.

For large industries falling under the high-pressure category, the unit charge has been raised from ₹ 6.35 to ₹ 6.75 per unit. Additionally, the demand fee has been increased from ₹ 350 per kilowatt to ₹ 550 per kilowatt per month.

Likewise, electricity rates were increased across all categories.

As per the order issued by the Commission last year regarding the electricity tariff hike, an annual increase in electricity rates has been authorized starting from 1 July 2023 each year until 2026-27.

As per the regulations, the electricity rates should be increased based on the lower value between the current inflation rate and 6% as of April 2023.

In April of this year, the inflation rate was recorded at 4.7%, which is lower than the 6% threshold. Consequently, starting from the following month, all category charges will be raised by 4.7%. This implies that the existing unit cost will experience a 4.7% increase.

The general population is encountering significant challenges in meeting the increased electricity bills. Given this situation, DMK Government implementing another electricity tariff hike will only exacerbate the existing difficulties faced by the public.

Many parts of Tamil Nadu also facing frequent power cuts under DMK rule and adding to that discrepancies in electricity tariffs were also reported.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

Click here to subscribe to The Commune on Telegram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Dravidian Model Shock Treatment: DMK Govt Moots Increasing Power Bills Even As Existing Rates Burn Pockets appeared first on The Commune.

Due to a delay in receiving the necessary approval from Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Senthil Balaji, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) faced a loss of several crore rupees without producing 13 lakh units of power at the Suruliyar power station in the Theni district.

The Iranvangalar Dam, which is fed by the Manalaru and Venniaru dams, is used to store the rainwater collected in the Meghamalai Hills in the Theni district.

To generate electricity, a 971-meter pipeline is being built from the Iravangalar dam to the Suruliyar power station in the Vannathipara district.

The late Chief Minister MGR commissioned this power plant in 1978. It is second in Asia at producing energy by extracting water from an elevation.

A generator, imported from Austria, with a capacity of 35MW of power generation, is used to generate power of 4.8 lakh units per day.

The electricity generated here is transported to Kayatharu power station in Thoothukudi district and distributed to other districts. For the same 35 MW of power generated, the power plant in Lower Camp would need up to 400 cubic feet of water, whereas the Suriliyaru power plant only needs 141 cubic feet of water drawn from the Iravangalar Dam.

It was reported that the pipeline connecting Iravangalar Dam and Suriliyaru power station was damaged on September 14, 2021. As a result, power generation was halted, the Suruliyar power plant was shut down, and there has been no power generating for the past 13 months. The production of at least 13 lakh units of power has been disrupted.

According to the officials, it has been constantly raining for the past few months, and the water has been squandering into the sea without producing any electricity.

It was reported that the TNEB officials could not start the repair of the pipeline as it requires approval from the Electricity Minister. Additionally, the work could not begin quickly since welding cannot be done in the rainy season. Local residents have urged that the Tamil Nadu government should take steps to start the repair work and generate electricity as soon as possible.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

Click here to subscribe to The Commune on Telegram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post TNEB Faces Heavy Loss Due To Delay In Getting Approval From Minister For Repair Work, Says Report appeared first on The Commune.

After a long time, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board’s call centre in Chennai saw more than 13,000 complaints of power cuts getting registered.

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) has come provided a 24×7 toll-free number 1912 for public to register complaints about power outages.

On an average, the call centre receives 2500 complaints per day. However, on last Wednesday (May 20) and Thursday (May 22), power outages were recorded in many parts of the city due to the rains.

In some parts, the power lines were disturbed due to the winds while in some areas power was switched-off as a precautionary measure.

As a result of this, the more than 6500 complaints were registered on May 21 and around 7000 on May 22.

Recently, it was reported that residents in Chennai have been receiving high electricity bills. Consumers who usually receive a monthly bill in three digits have received exorbitant bills in 4 digits.

Frequent powercuts along with high power bills after the new DMK government came to power has caused resentment among people.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

Click here to subscribe to The Commune on Telegram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Chennai sees more than 13,000 complaints of power cuts getting registered in just 2 days appeared first on The Commune.