Tamil Nadu power board orders re‑inspection of 3.7 million connections over high‑bill complaints

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) and the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) have ordered a state‑wide re‑inspection of about 3.7  lakh domestic electricity connections after a surge in consumer complaints about unusually high July bills.

Chairman and Managing Director V Arun Roy directed senior officials to physically verify connections that showed a sharp rise in consumption compared with the May billing cycle. The inspections, to be completed by August 7, involve engineers at various levels, each assigned a fixed number of services to check. Officials said the increased usage coincided with an El Niño‑induced hot and humid spell that led many households to run air‑conditioners and coolers for longer periods. Any billing or meter‑reading errors identified will be corrected on the spot.