Power outages due to load issues, not shortages, says Minister R. Nirmalkumar

Energy Resources and Law Minister CTR Nirmalkumar. | Photo credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

Minister for Power Resources and Law R. Nirmalkumar on Saturday said the recent power outages in parts of Chennai and other districts were due to load-shedding problems and the power department had taken swift action to address them.

Speaking to reporters, he said there was no shortage of energy and there was a sudden peak in energy demand during the summer. He also said that the ministry is facing severe financial crunch and reforms are being implemented in the electricity ministry which may take several months.

Mr. Nirmalkumar said that the electricity department has formed seven rapid response teams of engineers in Chennai, who have been provided with vehicles to reach the places quickly and redress the grievances. He said officials have been instructed to inspect substations to find and immediately correct any technical problems.

A 300-strong call center has been activated and complaints are received 24/7 and forwarded to appropriate teams for prompt redressal. Several old transformers and cable networks needed to be replaced.

Mr. Nirmalkumar also said that power cuts were caused by certain individuals at some places and action would be taken against them. He said that in the last 20 years, the electricity department was reeling under severe financial difficulties with outstanding debts of ₹2.5 crore. “Out of the total sanction of 1.4 lakh, the electricity department is functioning with only 70,000 employees,” he said.

He said that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is closely monitoring the developments in the Electricity Department. He further stated that measures are being taken to streamline the processing of applications, approval procedures and the installation of solar panels. Tenders worth several crores were canceled and re-verified to resolve administrative irregularities.

Published – 24 May 2026 0:17 IST