Why steps not taken to integrate power grids: High Court asks Tamil Nadu government

MADURAI: The Madras High Court Bench today sought to know from the Tamil Nadu government why steps had not been taken integrate the power grids to tackle power shortage plaguing the state.

Justice R Sudhakar posed the question while admitting a petition filed by one B Muthukumar, who sought a direction to the government to announce the time of power cuts in advance through advertisements.

The petitioner, an advocate's clerk, contented that he was unable to execute his duties on time due to the unannounced and unauthorised power cuts.

He alleged that the state was trying to cheat the public by not coming out with the actual circumstances on the power crisis.

Advocate General K Chellapandian said government is taking steps to integrate the grids and resolve the power crisis.

"The Chief Minister has issued several statements since she assumed power in May 2011, explaining the details about the origin of the crisis. We are not deceiving the people and statements have been issued once in 10 days", he argued.

Justice Sudhakar also asked whether Tamil Nadu Generation and Distrubtion Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) has obtained permission from Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission ( TNERC) for the power cuts.

TANGEDCO had earlier passed an order permitting TNERC to suspend power for a particular period in the state.

The judge adjourned the case to November 1 after directing TANGEDCO to obtain clarification from TNERC on authorised power cuts and submit a report in court.