Tangedco engineers for change in power supply norms

Chennai: Field engineers of Tangedco want the utility to reconsider the norm of insisting on completion certificate for providing power supply connection to the multi-storied and special buildings as it leads to numerous litigations.

As per the norms, applications for new service connections are registered based on the planning permit issued by CMDA and other bodies. But new service connection is effected for multi-storied and special buildings only on production of completion certificate issued by CMDA.

“Obviously, it is the responsibility of CMDA to ensure that all buildings are constructed in accordance with approved planning permit and verify whether there are deviations or violations, if any, in respect of construction of the buildings but CMDA has assigned this responsibility to Tangedco. Our officers are made responsible to ensure that the buildings are constructed in accordance with the planning permit,” Tamil Nadu Electricity Board Engineers’ Association said in a letter to Tangedco’s CMD.

The association feels that it is an unnecessary exercise thrust on the shoulders of the field engineers. “Above all, it also blocks the revenue due to Tangedco for the sake of safeguarding the interest of CMDA,” it said.

In case of delay in securing completion certificate from CMDA, the association said some of the applicants approach the court and Tangedco officials are impleaded as respondents.

It said that Tangedco incurs huge legal expenses in order to ensure the interest of CMDA, besides officers are forced to set aside their routine distribution works and spend time to chase the advocates for follow up on the cases.