Chennai: Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) chairman R Manivannan resigned on Friday, becoming the latest official to step down from a key position in the state. With two member posts already vacant, Manivannan's resignation leaves the entire commission without any members.
Manivannan's Tenure
Manivannan assumed the role of TNERC chairman in January 2025 after retiring from TNPDCL as distribution director. He was eligible to serve as chairman for up to three years. The reasons behind his resignation remain unclear.
Additional Resignation
TNERC director (engineering) John Sundararaj also submitted his resignation on Friday, following the chairman's decision.
Role of TNERC
As a quasi-judicial body, TNERC resolves electricity-related disputes between distribution companies and business consumers. It also approves and ratifies various electricity projects, expenditures, and power purchases. The three-member quorum, consisting of the chairman and two members, decides electricity tariffs and conducts stakeholder meetings under the Electricity Act to address key issues.
Next Steps
The state government is expected to form a search committee soon to invite applications to fill the vacant positions.
Context of Resignations
Manivannan's resignation comes a day after retired IPS officers Shankar Jiwal and Sunil Kumar stepped down from the chairmanship of the Tamil Nadu Fire Service Commission and the Tamil Nadu Uniform Services Recruitment Board, respectively.
