Understanding Cumulative Electricity Billing During Lockdown: A Guide for TNEB Customers

Many TNEB customers in Tamil Nadu have noticed a significant change in their electricity billing, especially during the coronavirus lockdown. If TNEB decided to skip the bimonthly calculation in May due to the pandemic and is now cumulatively calculating the bills for four months—March, April, May, and June—here’s what you need to know.

Cumulative Calculation

The electricity usage for the skipped months—March, April, May, and June—will be added together and charged as a single bill. This approach ensures that customers are not penalized for unexpected changes in their electricity usage due to the lockdown.

Tariff Structure

TNEB has a tiered tariff system where the rate per unit (kWh) increases with higher consumption. Cumulative bills are calculated based on this structure:

The first set of units consumed will be charged at the lowest tariff rate. As consumption increases and crosses certain thresholds, the rate for additional units will increase according to the tariff slabs.

Example Calculation

Let's take an example to clarify how the process works. Assume your total consumption over the four months is 600 kWh. Here's the breakdown:

0-100 kWh: 3 per kWh 101-300 kWh: 5 per kWh 301-600 kWh: 7 per kWh

The calculation would look like this:

First 100 kWh: 100 3 300 Next 200 kWh (101-300): 200 5 1000 Last 300 kWh (301-600): 300 7 2100

Total bill 300 1000 2100 3400

Payment Plans

TNEB may offer payment plans or allow customers to pay the cumulative bill in installments to ease the financial burden. For the most accurate information, it's best to check TNEB's official communications or their website regarding the specific tariffs and any announcements related to cumulative billing during the lockdown period.

Addressing Misconceptions

Common misconceptions about the cumulative calculation often lead to confusion. Many people believe that TNEB is cumulating units for four months and calculating charges, then reducing the last month's paid charge. However, this is not entirely accurate.

Actual Calculation Process

It's impossible to reduce the units if you don't know them. Instead, TNEB divides the units into half. Here’s an example:

MonthReading (Kwh)Units Paid (Approximation) Feb14570- April (Skipped)X- June163701800 (16370 - 14570) Total Units-1800 kWh Bill Charged-7890

Without having a single bit of understanding, many customers accused TNEB of looting. However, TNEB was taking the units for four months and dividing them by two, which is the most honest and closest possible way to do justice.

Payment Example

Dividing the units into half: 1800 / 2 900 units per bimonth.

Tariff Plan Calculation

Using the tariff plan provided:

0-100 units: 100 x 2.5 250 (0 subsidy 0) 101 - 200 units: 100 x 3.5 350 201 - 500 units: 300 x 4.6 1380 500-900 units: 400 x 6.6 2640 Service charge (above 500 units): 50

Total 4420 / bimonth, making the 8840 for two bimonths. Since the customer paid 950 before, the final amount to be paid is 7890.

Key Points to Verify

If you are still suspicious about the bill or usage, consider the following:

Check if the calculation is done correctly on the given tariff plan. Verify if the units used in the calculations align with the electric/energy meter readings. Ensure the electric/energy meter is in good working condition by performing a rough experiment or calibrating it using standards for accuracy.

Conclusion

If there is no issue in any of these three conditions, don't waste time running to the TNEB office to file a complaint. TNEB is handling the situation fairly by dividing the usage into halves.