TNPDCL asks high-tension electricity consumers to use gen sets during evening hours
The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has asked high-tension electricity consumers to shift to generators during evening hours, advising a temporary switch from grid power between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. The request, conveyed over the past two weeks through messages sent by officials in each circle, has prompted concern among industrial users about costs and operational feasibility.
Advisory varies by circle, industry body says
N. Pradeep, secretary of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, said the communication has been framed as a recommendation rather than a directive. “This has come only as a suggestion or a request from the TNPDCL. In some places, they are asking the HT consumers to use gen sets from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and in some other places, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.,” he said.
While most consumers have not formally refused the request, industry representatives indicated that the measure is causing unease, particularly among energy-intensive sectors and units with production processes that cannot be easily shifted or supported by generators.
Industry urges short-term relief and clarity
Durai Palaniswamy, chairman of the Southern India Mills’ Association, expressed hope that the situation would be short-lived. “This should hopefully be a temporary situation that will be addressed at the earliest. However, even for short term, the TNPDCL, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the State government should look at temporary measures that will encourage the HT consumers to switch over from grid power to other sources,” he said.
Industry stakeholders have sought clarity on the duration of the advisory and greater support to mitigate both the direct fuel costs of operating generators and the indirect impact on production schedules.
Cost and feasibility concerns from manufacturing units
Manufacturers said switching to generators during the evening hours would significantly raise their power and production costs. A foundry owner, highlighting both financial and technical constraints, said: “It is simply not viable for foundries to switch over to gen sets. If the grid power costs ₹7, using a gen set will cost almost ₹16 a unit. Further, gen sets will not support production processes in foundries.”
Openend Spinning Mills Association president G. Arulmozhi appealed to the government to ensure uninterrupted supply for high-tension consumers, warning of steep cost escalation if units rely on gensets. He said the total increase in production cost when gensets are used will be ₹30 a unit, which is unviable for the manufacturing sector.
Suggestions: priority supply, financial support, and procurement
Industry bodies have proposed that HT consumers with dedicated feeders be allowed to purchase their full power requirement and be exempted from load shedding. They also suggested financial assistance for other units to make diesel for gensets affordable if the advisory remains in place.
Pradeep added that the government should act swiftly to shore up supply. He said the State should immediately buy power to meet demand, noting the urgency in light of long-term power purchase agreements ending next year.
What’s next
With the advisory continuing for a second week and evening-hour timings varying across circles, industrial consumers are seeking immediate, interim relief and clearer timelines. Stakeholders have urged TNPDCL, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the State government to coordinate measures that keep production viable while addressing grid constraints.
As businesses weigh the operational and financial implications of shifting to gensets, the sector’s message is consistent: ensure continuity of supply where feasible, provide targeted support where necessary, and accelerate near-term procurement to stabilise the system while longer-term contracts transition.
