How to File a Complaint with TANGEDCO (2026)

As an electricity consumer in Tamil Nadu, you have the right to raise a complaint if you face billing errors, prolonged power outages, meter faults, voltage fluctuations, or poor service from TANGEDCO. This guide explains all the available channels to file a consumer complaint – from the helpline and online portal to formal written complaints and regulatory escalation.

Key point: Always pay your disputed bill before complaining about it. TANGEDCO’s policy requires full payment of the current bill to avoid disconnection, even if you believe the bill is incorrect. You can claim a refund or adjustment after the complaint is resolved.

Types of Complaints You Can Raise with TANGEDCO

Billing Complaints – Incorrect meter reading, wrong tariff applied, unexplained bill spike, FSA calculation error, arrears not cleared after payment.
Meter Complaints – Faulty or fast-running meter, damaged meter box, meter not replaced after reported fault.
Power Supply Complaints – Prolonged power outage, unscheduled load shedding, frequent power cuts in your area.
Voltage Issues – Low voltage causing appliance damage, frequent voltage fluctuations, single-phase supply problems.
Connection & Service Issues – Delay in new connection, wrong name/address on bill, transfer of connection after property sale.
Wrongful Disconnection – Supply disconnected despite timely payment, disconnection without prior notice.

TANGEDCO Consumer Helpline

Consumer Helpline: 94987 94987

Available 24/7 for power outages. Billing complaints during office hours.

Toll-Free Number: 1800 425 2525

Free to call from any landline or mobile. 24-hour availability.

Email: tangedco@tn.gov.in

For written complaints. Include consumer number in subject line.

For emergency power outages (especially at night or during storms), call the helpline immediately. For billing issues, the helpline will register your complaint and give you a complaint reference number – keep this for follow-up.

Online Grievance Portal

Visit tangedco.gov.in – Go to the official TANGEDCO website and navigate to “Online Services” → “Consumer Grievance”.
Register or log in – Use your consumer number to log in, or register with your mobile number if you are a first-time user.
Select complaint category – Choose the appropriate category: Billing, Meter, Supply Quality, New Connection, or Other.
Describe your complaint – Write a clear, factual description of the issue. Include relevant dates, bill amounts, meter readings, and any previous complaint references.
Attach supporting documents – Upload photos of your meter reading, your bill, or any other evidence. JPEG or PDF formats are accepted.
Submit and note the complaint number – After submission, you will receive a complaint reference number via SMS. Use this to track progress and follow up.

Visit Your TANGEDCO Section Office

For complex billing disputes, meter test requests, or wrongful disconnection issues, visiting your nearest TANGEDCO section office in person is often the most effective approach. Carry the following documents:

Your most recent electricity bill (original or copy)
Photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or any government-issued ID)
Photographs of your meter reading (if applicable)
Payment receipts for any recent payments made
A written complaint letter addressed to the Section Officer

Request a written acknowledgement of your complaint from the office. This acknowledgement with a stamp and signature is your legal record that the complaint was received.

Pro tip: Write your complaint letter in both English and Tamil for faster processing at the section office. Address it to the Assistant Divisional Engineer (ADE) or Assistant Engineer (AE) of your section.

Method 4: TANGEDCO Mobile App

The official TANGEDCO mobile app (available on Android and iOS) includes a built-in complaint registration feature. After logging in with your consumer number, go to “Raise Complaint” and follow the on-screen steps. The app also allows you to track the status of existing complaints in real time.

Escalation Process: What to Do If Your Complaint Is Not Resolved

If TANGEDCO does not resolve your complaint within a reasonable time (typically 15–30 days for billing disputes), you can escalate through the following channels:

Section Office / Assistant Engineer (AE) – First point of contact. Most complaints are resolved here.
Divisional Engineer / Assistant Divisional Engineer (ADE) – Escalate if AE doesn’t resolve within 15 days. Write a formal letter referencing your complaint number.
TANGEDCO Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) – A formal forum specifically for unresolved consumer complaints. You can file a written petition addressed to the CGRF at your region’s TANGEDCO headquarters.
Tamil Nadu Electricity Ombudsman – If the CGRF decision is unsatisfactory, appeal to the Electricity Ombudsman at TNERC. This is a quasi-judicial body that has the power to order TANGEDCO to take corrective action.
Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) – The highest regulatory authority. Petitions can be filed for serious, systemic issues. Address: TNERC, Chennai.

How to Write an Effective Complaint Letter

A well-structured complaint letter gets faster results. Include the following:

Your full name, consumer number, and service address at the top.
A clear subject line: e.g., “Complaint regarding incorrect meter reading for Bill dated DD/MM/YYYY”.
A factual description of the problem — what happened, when it happened, and how much you are being overcharged (if applicable).
What resolution you are seeking (bill revision, meter test, refund, etc.).
Reference to any previous complaints or payment receipts.
Your signature, date, and contact number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does TANGEDCO take to resolve a complaint?

Simple complaints like power outages are usually addressed within hours to a couple of days. Billing disputes typically take 15–30 days. Meter testing requests can take 7–15 working days. If unresolved beyond these timelines, escalate to the CGRF.

What is the TANGEDCO Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF)?

The CGRF is a formal dispute resolution body set up by TANGEDCO under TNERC regulations. It consists of senior officials who hear consumer complaints that have not been resolved at the section or division level. You can file a written petition and attend a hearing. CGRF decisions are binding on TANGEDCO.

Can I get compensation if TANGEDCO caused damage to my appliances due to voltage fluctuation?

Yes. Under TNERC’s Consumer Protection Regulations, you are entitled to claim compensation for appliance damage caused by voltage fluctuation or power surges attributable to TANGEDCO’s supply. You will need to submit evidence such as appliance service reports and bills. File the complaint at your section office and escalate to CGRF if needed.

Summary

Tamil Nadu electricity consumers have multiple effective channels to raise complaints against TANGEDCO – from the 24/7 helpline and online grievance portal to formal written complaints at the section office and escalation through the CGRF and Electricity Ombudsman. Always pay your bill before disputing it, document everything with photographs and written records, and follow the escalation ladder if your complaint is not resolved within the expected timeframe.