TNPDCL requests high voltage electricity consumers to use generator sets during night hours

Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has asked high voltage consumers (HT consumers) to switch to generators from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

TNPDCL officials have been sending messages in this regard to HT consumers in every circle for the past two weeks. “It came only as a suggestion or demand from TNPDCL. Somewhere they are asking HT consumers to use gensets from 7pm to 10pm and elsewhere from 7pm to 9pm,” said N. Pradeep, secretary, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore.

Although the consumers did not say no to the TNPDCL officials, they still raised concerns. “Hopefully, this should be a temporary situation which will be resolved as soon as possible. However, even for a short period, TNPDCL, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission and the state government should look at temporary measures to encourage HT consumers to switch from the grid to other sources,” said Durai Palaniswamy, president of the Southern India Mills’ Association.

“It is simply not viable for foundries to switch to gensets. If grid power costs ₹7, using a genset will cost almost ₹16 per unit. Also, generators will not support foundry production processes,” said a foundry owner.

Open Spinning Mills Association President G. Arulmozhi appealed to the government to ensure uninterrupted power supply to HT consumers. The total increase in production cost when generators are used will be ₹30 per unit, which is unviable for the manufacturing sector, he said.

HT consumers who have dedicated feeders should be able to purchase their power requirements and there should be no load shedding for them. For others, the government should focus on providing financial support to HT consumers to make it viable for them to buy diesel for generators.

Mr. Pradeep added that the government should take steps to purchase power immediately to meet the state’s needs when the long-term power purchase agreements expire next year.

Published – 30 Sep 2026 20:52 IST