CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday (August 21) announced a simplified procedure for new domestic electricity connections, besides sanctioning 50,000 fresh agricultural connections in 2026-27 and initiating steps to fill 2,558 vacancies in the State power utility.

Replying to the debate on the demands for grants for his department, Energy Resources Minister R Nirmalkumar said single-phase domestic connections that did not require extension or improvement works would be sanctioned based on self-declaration, without a field inspection.

The new procedure is intended to facilitate quicker processing of applications for new household connections. The Minister said 50,000 new agricultural electricity connections would be provided during 2026-27.

On strengthening the workforce, he announced that 2,558 vacancies would be filled through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission. In addition, 10,000 workers, including 5,000 skilled and 5,000 unskilled personnel, would be engaged on a contract basis for five years.

The department would also introduce an e-Mandate facility through eNACH for Low Tension consumers, enabling electricity bill payments to be made automatically from their bank accounts.

To improve consumer grievance redressal, a WhatsApp chatbot would be introduced to enable consumers to register complaints and track their status. The chatbot would be integrated with the Consumer Complaint Management System.

For employees, online counselling for transfers and promotions would be introduced through an in-house application integrated with the Human Resource Management System, the Minister said.

The government would also introduce a Compressed Bio-Gas policy for Tamil Nadu, aimed at reducing waste, creating employment opportunities and promoting the production of renewable energy.