Electricity complaint in Tamil Nadu: where to go
In Tamil Nadu, TNPDCL (formerly TANGEDCO) supplies electricity and takes your complaint first. If TNPDCL does not solve it, go to the CGRF of your circle and then to the Electricity Ombudsman.
- 3 steps: discom, forum, Ombudsman
- Official numbers and addresses
- Checked 16 October 2026
Contact TNPDCL
- TNPDCL complaints helpline (24x7): 94987 94987
- Online complaints (CCMS): https://ccms.tangedco.org/tangedco-public/
- CGRF online petition: https://www.tnebltd.gov.in/cgrfonline/guidelines.xhtml
- TNERC office (Ombudsman appeals): 044-2953 5816, tnerc@nic.in
The steps, in order
Complain to TNPDCL
- Call 94987 94987 or use the CCMS portal.
- Use CCMS for power failure, voltage, meter, bill and payment complaints.
- Write down your complaint number.
Go to the CGRF
- Each distribution circle has one CGRF. The Superintending Engineer of the circle chairs it.
- File online on the CGRF portal and select your circle.
- You can also write to the forum Chairperson in the Annexure-I format, or email the forum.
- We found no filing fee in the TNERC regulations.
- The forum must decide within 30 days, and not later than 45 days.
Appeal to the Ombudsman
- Appeal within 30 days of the forum order. Use the Annexure III form.
- If the forum order tells you to pay an amount, deposit 25% of it first.
- If the forum gives no reply within 50 days, you can go to the Ombudsman directly.
- The Ombudsman must decide within 3 months.
- Send the appeal to the Tamil Nadu Electricity Ombudsman, TNERC, 4th Floor, SIDCO Corporate Office Building, Guindy, Chennai 600 032.
Compensation you can get
| If the discom fails to… | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Late new service connection or additional load | Rs 200 per day, up to Rs 2,000 |
| Late meter replacement | Rs 200 per day, up to Rs 2,000 |
| Bill complaint not solved in time | Rs 300 |
| Late restoration after an interruption | Rs 100 for each 6 hours, up to Rs 2,000 |
Remotely monitored items pay automatically; for others, claim if TNPDCL does not pay in the next billing period (TNERC SoP Regulations 2004, Reg 22).
If you think the meter is wrong
- Report a meter fault on CCMS or the helpline and ask for a meter test.
- TNPDCL must test the meter at its laboratory within 30 days (TN Supply Code Reg 7(9)).
- TNPDCL or you pay the test cost, based on the result.
- For a challenge test, TNPDCL charges the GESL or NABL rate in force. TNERC sets no fixed rupee amount.
- The national rules also require a test within 30 days of your complaint.
What we could not confirm
- We found no separate postal address for the Ombudsman. We give the TNERC address; confirm it by phone.
- We found no list of CGRF addresses for each circle.
- The TNPDCL portal page still says the forum takes up to 2 months. The TNERC regulation says 30 days, at most 45 days.
- TNPDCL pages do not say whether 1912 works in Tamil Nadu.
- The exact rupee fee for a challenge test depends on GESL or NABL rates. Ask TNPDCL before you apply.
Questions
Is there a fee to file a complaint with the CGRF in Tamil Nadu?
We found no filing fee in the TNERC CGRF and Ombudsman Regulations.
How long can I wait for the forum?
The forum must decide within 30 days, and at most 45 days. If it gives no reply in 50 days, you can go to the Ombudsman.
Do I need to pay anything to appeal to the Ombudsman?
If the forum order asks you to pay an amount, you must deposit 25% of it before the appeal.
Can TNPDCL cut my supply while I dispute a bill?
Not if you pay under protest. Pay the amount claimed or your average monthly charge for the last six months, whichever is less (Electricity Act s.56(1)).
Sources
- TNERC CGRF and Electricity Ombudsman Regulations, 2004 (as amended to 31.03.2024), Reg 6(2), 7(7), 17(4), 22(3)
- TNERC Appeal Procedure page, Reg 8 (30 days, 25% deposit)
- TNERC Contact Us
- TN Distribution Standards of Performance Regulations, 2004 (as amended to 31.03.2024), Reg 21 Table I and Reg 22
- TNERC Supply Code amendment SC-7-48 (02.09.2023), Reg 7(9)
- TNERC Order No. 10 of 2022, Non-Tariff Miscellaneous Charges, Table 7
- TNPDCL home page (helpline)
- TNPDCL CGRF portal and guidelines
Read on 16 October 2026. Phone numbers and addresses change: check the official page before you send a letter.
ebbillcalc is not part of any discom or regulator. The regulations and your discom have the final word.