Consumer body calls for free electricity supply only to domestic consumers whose gross consumption is less than 500 units - The HinduUpdated - September 13, 2026 10:38 pm IST - COIMBATOREThe Coimbatore Consumer Cause has called upon the Tamil Nadu government to take steps to provide 200 units of electricity free of cost to bi-monthly eligible domestic consumers only if their actual consumption for two months is less than 500 units.In the case of domestic consumers with rooftop solar systems, electricity generated on-site is adjusted against electricity drawn from the distribution grid. Consequently, the net consumption recorded for billing purposes is considerably lower than the household’s actual (gross) electricity consumption.For example, a household may actually consume 1,200 units during a two-month billing period. If 800 units are generated through its rooftop solar system and the remaining 400 units are drawn from the grid, the net consumption appears as only 400 units. Since the 200 units of free electricity are determined solely on net grid drawal, this household appears to be a low-consumption consumer (400 units) and receives the benefit. Meanwhile, a non-solar consumer who actually consumes 505 units is excluded from the benefit, said the consumer body’s secretary K. Kathirmathiyon.Eligibility for the free supply of 200 units should be determined on the basis of gross consumption, while the tariff benefit, wherever applicable, can continue to be calculated in accordance with the standard billing mechanism, he said.Published - September 13, 2026 10:37 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }