Tamil Nadu Electricity Consumers’ Association Celebrates its silver jubilee

Tamil Nadu Electricity Consumers’ Association (TECA) is an organization representing interests of High Tension Electricity Consumers across the state.

Due to the change in regulations in the electricity sector, a need was felt by industrialists to deal with matters relating to Electricity. This resulted in the formation of TECA in 1998., Since then, TECA has been representing consumers across verticals such as Textiles, Engineering, Chemicals, Fertilizers, Pharmaceuticals, Automobiles, Construction, Tea Estates, etc. TECA as of now have over 700 members and connected load of 1379 MW of their members.

The 25th Annual General Meeting and Silver Jubilee Celebrations of TECA was held on 22.9.23 at Hotel Radison Blu, Coimbatore. Delivering the presidential address N Pradeep, President TECA traced the significant growth and development of TECA over years. He said that Tamil Nadu is undergoing a significant transformation in its energy landscape and has made remarkable progress in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Over the years, the Association has made various representations for levy of maximum demand charges, electricity tax, self generation tax, etc. It has filed petitions in the Madras High Court and Supreme Court and has got judgment favourable to TECA members. It constantly sends proposals, suggestions and objections on various matters to TNERC and Central authorities. As we celebrate our silver jubilee we look forward to continue our pivotal role in guiding Tamil Nadu towards sustainable, affordable and consumer friendly energy future, he stated.

Arun Arunachalam, Secretary TECA stated that the Association has been able to work towards influencing policies to hold stake holders accountable in the energy sector and to work for fair and transparent electricity tariffs.

The Chief Guest, C. Narasimhan, President, Indian Solar Association and Chairman, Raasi Group of Companies complimented TECA for being the voice of electricity consumers over the years. There is a need for uninterrupted power supply for the people. TANGEDCO, with its obsolete equipment and infrastructure is not only making huge losses but is also unable to raise funds from financial institutions. This has happened because the political leadership in the state over the last four decades has not given enough attention to providing uninterrupted power to the farmers and the people. Theft of electricity has been a major problem which has not been attended to.

There is a need to use more of Clean power by using various renewable energy sources, like solar, wind etc. He requested the Central Govt. to create separate bank to fund green energy projects at a reduced rate of interest. The Tamil Nadu Govt. should also support investments in solar energy by creating common facilities for renewable energy parks. He appealed to industrial associations to create awareness about new technologies in renewable energy and various Central Govt. Schemes.