PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss has urged the Tamil Nadu government to cancel tenders floated for power procurement from private firms without prior approval from the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC).In a statement, Anbumani criticized the move, highlighting that TNERC itself had condemned the electricity department’s actions. He accused the state government and Tangedco of bending rules to benefit those in power.
“As per estimates, power demand during summer is expected to rise by 6%, exceeding the highest recorded demand of 20,830 MW and 45.43 crore units in 2024. However, Tangedco can generate only 15,707 MW, creating a significant shortfall. To bridge this gap, tenders have been floated to procure 2,750 MW throughout the day and 5,775 MW during evening hours,” Anbumani stated.
While acknowledging that external power procurement is inevitable, he stressed that the government should have sought TNERC approval before floating tenders. “If the TNERC had been consulted beforehand, it would have imposed conditions that could safeguard public interest. However, the government and Tangedco fear that these conditions will hinder their agenda, which is why they floated tenders first, bypassing regulatory oversight,” he alleged.
Anbumani further criticized the government’s selective adherence to TNERC regulations. “When electricity tariffs are increased, the government claims TNERC is a powerful authority. But when it comes to procurement, it treats the Commission as a mere puppet,” he remarked.
He urged the government to follow due process by obtaining TNERC approval before procurement and to expedite pending power plant projects to address the state’s growing energy demands.