Tamil Nadu faces lesser power shortage than other States: Minister Sengottaiyan

K.A. Sengottaiyan. File | Photo Credit: M. Govarthan Tamil Nadu is experiencing fewer power cuts compared with several neighbouring States, said Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan on Sunday (September 13, 2026).Speaking to reporters in Erode, Mr. Sengottaiyan said Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had been taking several measures to reduce power cuts in the State.Mr. Sengottaiyan said the State government was also examining ways to store solar power generated during daytime for use at night. The Chief Minister had held discussions with officials from various departments two days ago on the issue. Officials had been asked to provide details on the availability of space at sub-stations for setting up facilities to store electricity, he added.On the government’s efforts to attract investments, Mr. Sengottaiyan said visits to other countries were being undertaken to invite investors to establish industries in Tamil Nadu.On the Dharapuram byelection, Mr. Sengottaiyan said the TVK candidate would file the nomination on September 16. Asked whether Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay would campaign for the candidate, he said, “Wait and watch.” He expressed confidence that the party had good prospects of winning the bypolls (in Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu).On criticism against the government, he said the government was prepared to accept criticism, provided it was made honestly. Speaking on the Parandur airport project, Mr. Sengottaiyan said the waterbodies and wetland areas in the region had to be viewed separately from the land required for the airport and for SIPCOT projects. The runway could not be constructed on a lake, he said, adding that the government had fulfilled election assurance by taking into account the demands and protests of residents. Published - September 13, 2026 06:28 pm IST