In a communication to the Director (Distribution), TNPDCL, the Commission noted that several CGRFs continue to function without their full complement of members despite repeated reminders issued by the regulator. It said the vacancies were affecting the functioning of the forums and delaying the resolution of consumer grievances.

According to the Commission, vacancies exist in 12 CGRFs, including those in Chennai North, Chennai West, Dharmapuri, Gobi, Mettur, Pudukkottai, Salem, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruppur, Thoothukudi, Vellore and Tiruvallur. Most of the vacancies relate to members nominated by district collectors, while TNERC-nominated positions remain vacant in Gobi, Vellore and Tiruvallur.

The regulator observed that some of the posts have remained vacant for more than a year, undermining the statutory mechanism established for addressing consumer complaints under the Electricity Act and the Commission's regulations.

Warning of possible action for non-compliance, TNERC said any failure to fill the vacancies within the stipulated period could attract proceedings under Section 142 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

The Commission directed the Director (Distribution) to instruct chairpersons of the concerned forums to coordinate with the respective nominating authorities and take immediate, time-bound steps to fill the vacancies. It also stressed that all forums should function with the prescribed member strength as mandated under the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum and Electricity Ombudsman Regulations, 2004.