Farmers to soon get three-phase power for 18 hours a day: Senthil Balaji

Responding to a statement of leader of opposition and former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, who urged the government to continue free electricity connection for farmers throughout the day, State Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji said that measures have been taken to provide free electricity to farmers for 18 hours a day immediately.

Pointing out a government order issued on February 25, 2021 regarding 24-hour free electricity to farmers by the AIADMK government, the minister said that the farmers in Delta region received three phased power supply for 12 hours and other areas received it for 9 hours.

“The order was issued a day before the announcement of elections. The order said that round the clock power will be provided from April 1, 2021,” he said.

He added that measures are being taken to provide free three-phase power to farmers for 24 hours and infrastructure is being improved apart from increasing power generation. “From the steps taken, we can provide 18,500 MW electricity. Works commenced to construct 316 sub stations. Two phased electricity supply will be from 6am to 8am and 6pm to 10pm. During the remaining 18 hours, three-phase supply will be provided for farmers. During the next summer, we will supply three phase power to farmers for 24 hours a day, ” he assured.