85 per cent consumers have paid bills, no need for extension: Tangedco

Chennai

Responding to a writ petition seeking to defer the payment up to July 31, Tangedco submitted that the deadline was extended based on extension of lockdown by the Centre and State. For LT consumers in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, the last date was extended up to July 15 due to the complete lockdown in force. For LT consumers from other districts, time was offered until June 15 to avoid crowding at counters.

Of the 1.35 crore LT consumers who should make the payment in April, only 8.45 lakh (6.25%) are yet to make payment and the balance amount receivable is Rs 343.37 crore. Similarly, of the 1.35 crore LT consumers who should pay in May, only 12.94 lakh (9.5%) are yet to make payment of Rs 287.94 crore. Of the 1.35 crore consumers who should pay in June, only 18.44 lakh (13.62%) are yet to make payment of Rs 478.36 crore.

Thus, majority of LT consumers have availed the benefit of time extension already and have also been remitting the current consumption bills.

Based on this, a division bench comprising Justice R Subbiah and Justice Krishnan Ramasamy wondered about the need for extension when 85 per cent of the people had paid their bills and posted the plea for further hearing to Thursday after directing the government to file a detailed status report.