Tamil Nadu Power Corporation Suspends Maintenance to Support Exam Season
In a significant move to safeguard the academic interests of students, the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TNPDCL) has issued a directive to all field officers, mandating a complete cessation of planned maintenance activities that require power supply curtailment. This order is effective immediately and will remain in force until the conclusion of the ongoing school examination season.
Statewide Application to Prevent Disruptions
The directive applies comprehensively across Chennai city and all districts throughout Tamil Nadu. TNPDCL distribution section offices typically conduct periodic maintenance at substations, feeders, and transformers within their jurisdictions, which often necessitates suspending power supply for a minimum of five hours, typically from 9 am to 2 pm. However, due to the complexity of such work, resumption of electricity has frequently been delayed beyond the promised timeframe, causing inconvenience.
Addressing Past Grievances During Critical Periods
Historically, school students preparing for Class XII and X board exams during the months of February, March, and April have faced significant hardships due to day-long power cuts. In response to these challenges, the state government implemented a policy several years ago, instructing TNPDCL to avoid maintenance works during the exam season. With CBSE examinations already in progress, TNPDCL has recently reinforced this policy by circulating a formal circular to all field officers, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted power supply.
In Chennai and its neighboring districts, maintenance activities have been officially stalled since Tuesday. A senior TNPDCL official clarified the stance, stating, "Permission for regular maintenance will not be granted until April. Field officers are only authorized to suspend power supply under unavoidable circumstances to execute emergency work." This measure aims to minimize disruptions and ensure a conducive environment for students during their crucial examinations.
Strategic Timing Amid Seasonal Considerations
Maintenance work is often intensified during the summer months due to the lower likelihood of unforeseen weather events, which could otherwise complicate operations. However, the current priority is squarely on supporting the educational needs of students, overriding routine maintenance schedules to prevent any potential power outages that could impact study sessions and exam preparations.
This proactive step by TNPDCL underscores the corporation's commitment to public welfare and aligns with broader governmental efforts to enhance the examination experience for thousands of students across Tamil Nadu.
