TNEB places eCAPS under 'Commercial'; issues notice to pay Rs 80k

Coimbatore: Tamilnadu Electricity Board has issued a notice to eCAPS to pay about Rs 80,000 moving it from 'Industrial' to 'Commercial' category. The amount is worked out based on the difference in the tariff plan between two classifications for the past three years.

The Information Communication Technology (ICT) policy of Tamil Nadu 2008, para 5a and 5b clearly defines IT and ITeS services, while 9.5 treats IT and ITeS services as 'Industrial' consumers and not 'Commercial' consumers. There is a difference of 70p— 1Re per unit between Tariff IIIB (for Industrial) and Tariff V (for Commercial).

It's not clear on what grounds TNEB has placed this SI under 'Commercial' category and asked to pay about Rs 80,000 - the tariff difference between the 'Commercial' and 'Industrial' worked out for the last three years.

The company has sent a clarification letter to TNEB, Coimbatore, along with supporting documents, ascertaining that it is an ITeS company.

In its letter, the company has emphasized that it comes under 'Industrial' category and the only Tariff 'IIIB' is applicable, citing ICT policy 2002-2008 of Tamilnadu.

“We have sent the letter to TNEB and are awaiting the reply,” Gunasegharan, Director, eCAPS, said.