TNPDCL expands fuse off call offices for quicker resolution of power cut complaints in city and neighbouring districts

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) has started expanding the fuse off call (FOC) offices in the city, and Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram districts.

The FOCs, which functioned in circle offices until 2021, were discontinued and their numbers were reduced to pave way for the launch of the centralised complaint redress facility called Minnagam. However, since the reduction in the number of FOCs, domestic consumers in the city have been complaining about delay in the restoration of power supply as complaints were not being forwarded properly.

In the old system, a dedicated team of maintenance staff, along with a telephone operator, was tasked with attending to power breakdowns round-the-clock. FOCs played a key role in the efficient and quick restoration of any minor power disruptions as they were able to identify the locality easily. However, over the years the shortage of manpower, mainly of telephone operators, led to the curtailment of FOCs and subsequent shift to Minnagam, which functions in the headquarters of the TNPDCL on Anna Salai.

A senior TNPDCL official said FOCs, which had been operating at only a few locations in the city, were being expanded. The 24-hour FOC facility, which functioned in 70 circles, has been expanded to more than 150 circle offices. The new FOCs in the city and Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram districts, would have three maintenance staff, and they would be provided with a vehicle. The FOCs would function for every three to four section offices, the official added.

While the TNPDCL will still operate the Minnagam, the FOCs, which have been provided with separate mobile numbers, will be merged with the Minnagam system for faster restoration of disrupted power supply.

Welcoming the move, Consumer activist T. Sadagopan said in Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts, FOCs would be functioning only in towns. He wanted the facility to be expanded throughout the districts. The TNPDCL would soon be circulating the mobile numbers of the FOCs through social media to create awareness among the domestic consumers.