Now Reading: TNPDCL expands fuse off call offices in Chennai, three districts
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TNPDCL expands fuse off call offices in Chennai, three districts
The Story in Brief
The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has started expanding fuse off call (FOC) offices in Chennai and the neighbouring districts of Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram. The FOCs, which functioned in 70 circle offices until 2021, have been expanded to more than 150 circle offices. Each new FOC will have three maintenance staff and a vehicle, and will cover three to four section offices.
The FOC system was discontinued and its numbers reduced after the launch of the centralised complaint redress facility called Minnagam. Domestic consumers had complained of delays in power restoration because complaints were not forwarded properly. A senior TNPDCL official said the FOCs would have separate mobile numbers and be merged with the Minnagam system for faster restoration.
Consumer activist T. Sadagopan welcomed the move but said FOCs in the three districts were functioning only in towns and wanted the facility expanded across the districts. The TNPDCL will soon circulate the mobile numbers of the FOCs through social media to create awareness.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The expansion reverses a centralisation drive that left consumers waiting longer for power restoration after complaints got stuck at the headquarters. By placing dedicated teams with vehicles in 150 circles, TNPDCL is betting that local knowledge of streets and transformers will cut response time more than a single call centre can. The unresolved part is the reach beyond towns: activists want the facility in every section office, not just in urban pockets. The next step is the circulation of FOC mobile numbers on social media, which will test whether consumers switch back from Minnagam to the local numbers.
Source: thehindu.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
