Coimbatore: Annamalai of the “We The Leaders” organisation questioned why Tamil Nadu has to buy electricity at rates such as Rs 35 per unit during peak hours, despite being a major wind-power producing state.
Speaking to reporters, he said the state has not built adequate infrastructure to store renewable energy, particularly wind power. He pointed out that battery storage capacity exists in states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, while Tamil Nadu has not made similar investments.
According to him, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board has for years been purchasing power at high rates—such as Rs 35, Rs 30 and Rs 28—to manage peak-hour shortages. He said this contributes to higher electricity bills and creates problems for industry.
Annamalai urged the government to provide a clear one-year policy plan, including targets for investment and steps to reduce dependence on costly purchases in the coming year. He said people voted for change and expressed hope that the government would use that mandate responsibly.
He also welcomed film personalities entering politics and said he had seen a by-election in Tamil Nadu where no party distributed money. Referring to past by-elections such as Erode, he alleged that gifts and cash distribution had been common and that journalists were even attacked while covering it. He said the current by-election showed a change and praised “Thaveka” for contesting without money distribution, adding that he had already conveyed greetings to Rajinikanth and planned to watch “Jailer 2” when free.
