Focus on improving operational efficiency in power sector, says Tamil Nadu minister

Chennai: Energy resources minister R Nirmalkumar said state govt would implement comprehensive reforms in the electricity sector within a year to improve operational efficiency and reduce financial losses.

The minister said several corrective measures have already been initiated to eliminate irregularities in the sector. “Tenders awarded during the previous regime are being reviewed and new transparent tender procedures would be introduced through a digital portal system. Separate committees have also been formed across various wings of the electricity department to oversee the reforms,” the minister said.

He said contracts in the past were awarded to select individuals and firms. Such practices would not continue, he said. “Equal opportunity will be provided to all eligible firms. There will be no place for middlemen or irregularities,” he said.

Nirmalkumar said the govt was also trying to revive the electricity sector, which has been functioning with a debt of around Rs2.5 lakh crore, and transform it into a profitable organisation.

He said irregularities in contracts related to electricity infrastructure work, including electricity pole-related projects, have been identified. In the future, contracts would be awarded only to qualified and capable firms, while timely payments would be ensured for companies completing works, Nirmalkumar said.