Report of Indian Institute of Public Administration ... - Ministry of Power

Major Achievements of the Board
State Reports (Vol.-III)
Study on `Impact of Restructuring of SEBs’
The Board could take pride for 100 per cent metering, billing and collection, because
of its long-established systems. In addition, it has many achievements to its credit,
some of which are listed below:
• Implementing Energy Audit in respect of all the 22/11 kV feeders having line
losses of more than 10 per cent;
• 100 per cent metering of 11 kV feeders;
• A special focus on energy conservation;
• Computerisation of inventory management;
• Computerisation of LT and HT billing;
• A focus on consumers through call centres and a web-enabled consumer
redressal system;
• An excellent system for monitoring the interruptions in supply;
• Installation of high quality meters;
• Installation of capacitors both in substations and in consumer premises to
improve the system power factor;
• Close monitoring of billing, collection and disconnection activities;
• High level of PLF of thermal power stations by better maintenance and
management practices; and
• Efficient use of the hydel storage to mitigate the peak-hour shortage.
Reform Measures
Despite many achievements, TNEB has been lagging behind in the reform process.
Except for the setting up of the SERC and issue of tariff orders by it, not much
progress is seen in the State. The tariff revision of 2003 has also been put back by the
Government on account of drought; but the Government has not been compensating
TBEB fully. This means that though SERC is functioning and issuing tariff orders,
government could modify the tariff merely with a promise of compensation. This does
not augur well for the power sector reform. TNEB, being fully owned by Government,
will find it difficult to collect the dues from the Government. It is also doubtful
whether SERC will be able to enforce its decision. Power sector reform can proceed in
this country only if all players are convinced of the need for such a reform and
cooperate with one another in achieving results, by respecting the rights and
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