TNPDCL to revive Fuse on Call helpline for Chennai power complaints
The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) announced it will revive its localized helpline, 'Fuse on Call,' to address power supply complaints across Chennai, with initial rollouts planned for North Chennai and suburban areas like Pattabiram.
The utility decided to reintroduce the localized option following complaints that power-cut grievances take too long to reach field staff through the current centralized system. The initiative aims to speed up the redressal process for consumers experiencing power outages or blown fuses.
Currently, electricity-related complaints in Chennai are handled through 'Minnagam,' a dedicated central system where consumers dial 9498794987 to report grievances. Staff at the Minnagam call center forward these complaints to the relevant power distribution sections, which then alert field personnel. However, local residents have reported delays in this chain of communication.
To address this, TNPDCL will reintroduce the 'Fuse on Call' helpline in areas where power interruptions are frequently reported. A senior TNPDCL official stated that the utility has identified areas in North Chennai and suburban locations to initiate the helpline. Each of these designated areas will have a local reporting mechanism with a dedicated phone number, enabling field personnel to attend to complaints immediately.
Local consumer and civic activists have expressed support for the decision. T Sadagopan, a consumer activist from Pattabiram, welcomed the move, noting that suburban section offices cover vast areas and personnel often take time to reach spots. He stated that the localized system would facilitate one-to-one communication and quicker redressal, and suggested the facility be extended to all areas.
Similarly, Ramarao, a civic activist from Nanganallur, noted the historical difficulty in reaching Minnagam or local section offices. He shared that residents in his neighborhood had previously created a WhatsApp group with local TNPDCL personnel to ensure their electricity grievances were reported and addressed.
