13.4 lakh consumers to benefit from 200-unit free power scheme in Coimbatore district

Coimbatore: Around 13.38 lakh electricity consumers in the district are set to benefit from the state govt's 200-unit free power scheme, according to officials attached to the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL).Pointing out that power consumption of 13,38,555 consumers in the district were below 500 units, Sureshkumar, chief engineer, TNPDCL, Coimbatore region, said they would benefit from the scheme. "Of them, 3,91,546 consumers use only less than 100 units, while another 3,86,102 consumers fall under the 101-200-unit category. Consumers in these two categories will no longer have to pay electricity charges," he said. Of the remaining beneficiaries, 4,79,946 fall under the 201-400-unit category, while 80,961 consumers use between 401 and 500 units. These consumers would fully benefit from the 200-unit free electricity scheme. Meanwhile, 34,950 consumers use between 501 and 600 units; 24,355 fall under the 601-800-unit category; 7,126 consumers use between 801 and 1,000 units; and 6,426 consumers consume more than 1,000 units. These consumers would continue to receive the existing 100-unit free electricity benefit, Sureshkumar said. Officials said a majority of the beneficiaries under the 200-unit free electricity scheme in the the district were from rural areas. Only a fewer urban consumers would benefit from the scheme, as many households in cities use electrical appliances such as air-conditioners, resulting in higher power consumption. Chief minister C Joseph Vijay had signed a govt order introducing a scheme providing 200 units of free electricity for households consuming up to 500 units bimonthly immediately after assuming his office.