T.N. Electricity Ombudsman rejects NHAI’s plea for change in tariff category

Tamil Nadu Electricity Ombudsman rejected a plea by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) seeking change of tariff category for the electricity service connection obtained by it for operating streetlights and high mast lights on the Trichy Bypass section of NH-67. However, the Ombudsman has granted liberty to NHAI to seek clarification from the state power regulator.

In its petition, NHAI contended the electricity service connection has been wrongly classified under LM 51 tariff and argued that the lights are provided purely for public safety and therefore, should come under LT 2(a), the same tariff applicable to street lighting maintained by local bodies and gram panchayats. 

NHAI headquarters has already directed its offices to approach electricity departments for such reclassification. Based on this, NHAI made a request to Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNPDCL) officials, but no response was given, it said. 

NHAI said it filed an online petition before the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum. However, the forum rejected the request, stating that tariff cannot be converted to LT 2(a). 

‘Inconsistency in decisions’

NHAI further pointed out in a similar case in Sivaganga district, the State power utility body has allowed it to apply for tariff change online and the matter is under process and it shows inconsistency in decisions. 

In its response, TNPDCL said as per Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) tariff order in 2024, the  LT 2(a) is strictly applicable only to Public Lighting and Water Supply provided by government departments or local bodies such as municipalities, panchayats, the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board and Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. 

Since NHAI is a central agency and not a local body, the tariff benefit under LT 2(a) cannot be extended to them, it argued.

TNPDCL further noted that LM51 is the default category for services not specifically covered under any of the other LT tariff categories, and hence, the present service has been correctly classified and also cited examples of similar connections, such as the Trichy–Thanjavur Expressway toll plaza, which are also charged under LM51 for the same purpose of high mast and street lighting on national highways. 

NHAI seeking reclassification of the said service connection under Tariff II-A is not in line with the Tariff Order and is hereby rejected, the Ombudsman ruled.

“In view of NHAI’s claim that its highway lighting should fall under Tariff II-A, the matter warrants clarification from the TNERC,” the order said.