Consumers seek permanent Tangedco building near Katpadi

Consumers seek permanent Tangedco building near Katpadi

Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) consumers have demanded a new, permanent building for the Tangedco substation office in Dharapadavedu village near Katpadi in Vellore on Tiruvalam High Road, replacing the existing dilapidated building.

The existing Tangedco office has been functioning in the rented building for more than three decades. The facility does not have a waiting space for visitors.

“During monsoon, the facility gets inundated. Consumers have to wade through stagnated rainwater to reach the facility,” said S. Manimegalai, a resident.

At present, the office has more than 8,000 consumers, covering at least 20 farming villages in Katpadi taluk. Many consumers in these villages prefer paying electricity bills directly in the office as it helps themmeet the officials and air their grievances.

Tangedco officials said that the existing office is functioning from the property that belongs to a local temple and has been rented for a nominal fee for many years. The small building, which is around 300 sq.ft in area, has a large room where entire office work is being done. The office does not have a separate cabin for Assistant Engineer, store room, billing section, and parking facilities.

Tangedco officials said that the roof of the office, made of asbestos, has been damaged due to poor maintenance. During rains, leaky roof damages record books, computers, and other electrical equipment, which are kept in the common room of the office. In summers, Tangedco staff are exposed to direct sunlight due to the damaged roof.

Tangedco officials said that repeated requests have been made to higher officials to relocate the existing office to a new permanent building in the area. They have also informed Vellore distirict Collector V.R. Subbulaxmi of the poor condition of the building during the monthly review meetings.