Overview
- The state electricity board has directed re-inspections of about 3.5–3.7 lakh consumer connections after records showed high variation in consumption readings.
- Energy Minister R. Nirmal Kumar called the exercise a routine reassessment and denied the existence of mass complaints while defending year-on-year billing figures.
- A TNEB circular from officials acknowledged unusual consumption swings in July and prompted field checks by assistant engineers and assistant directors.
- The minister promised field-level reassessments within a week and on-the-spot bill corrections but ruled out a blanket extension of payment deadlines.
- The opposition DMK is demanding audits, payment relief and has planned protests, arguing the checks reflect wider administrative failures that have hurt households and farmers.