Madras HC pulls up Tangedco for delay in installing home solar power units

Passing interim orders on a contempt petition wherein both the Tangedco Chairman Vikram Kapur and Energy Secretary Nazimuddin appeared on Friday to explain the power position, Justice N Kirubakaran, recorded the submission by counsels that individuals have installed SPVP, which generates solar power on their roof tops and they have applied to Tangedco for net metering. However, failure to offer it has resulted in thousands of applications pending before Tangedco.

Also, recording the submission of Additional Advocate General (AAG) C Manishankar seeking time to get instructions in this regard, Justice Kirubakaran said, “Whenever any approval for a multi-storey building is granted, the government shall make the installation of SPVP as a mandatory condition so that solar power can be generated, which will ease Tangedco’s job.” “The AAG would submit that rules are already framed regarding the generation of solar power in the above said manner. It is also submitted that the Centre is giving subsidy for purchasing of solar panels. 

In that event, many people will voluntarily come forward to install the solar power generators in their houses and their burden of making electricity payments would also come down. Thus, the sovernment should take earnest steps to see that the above said scheme is advertised to encourage people to resort to solar power,” he added.

About power supply in Tamil Nadu, the officials informed the court that there was no shortage of coal and that the power situation is comfortable.