Updated for 2026 · For Tamil Nadu (TANGEDCO/TNEB) consumers. Confirm current charges on the official portal.
- Apply online on the TANGEDCO new service connection portal.
- Documents: ownership proof, ID, address proof (tenant → owner consent Form 5).
- Charges: service fee + development + meter + deposit (load-based).
- Choose the right load (kW) for your appliances.
- Meter is fitted after an inspection and wiring test.
What "new connection" means
A new service connection gives a premises its own electricity meter and consumer number with TANGEDCO (TNEB). You need one when you build or buy a house/flat without a meter, split an existing supply, or set up a shop or office. It's different from a name transfer, which just changes the consumer name on an existing connection.
Choose the right connection type and load
| Type | For |
|---|---|
| Domestic (LT) | Homes / residential use |
| Commercial (LT) | Shops, offices, small businesses |
| Industrial / HT | Factories and high-load premises |
You must declare the connected load in kilowatts (kW) — roughly the total wattage of the appliances you'll run. Under-declaring to save on deposit can cause trips and penalties later; over-declaring raises your deposit. Estimate it realistically for the fans, lights, AC, pump and kitchen appliances you'll use.
Documents you need
- Proof of ownership — sale deed, patta, gift/settlement deed, allotment letter, computer patta, or a recent property tax receipt
- Identity proof (Aadhaar / government ID)
- Address proof of the premises
- If you're a tenant/occupant: owner's consent letter (Form 5), or proof of occupancy with an indemnity bond (Form 6)
- A licensed wireman's test report / wiring completion (as required)
How to apply — step by step
- Open the TANGEDCO new service connection online portal (via tangedco.org / the NSC portal).
- Fill the application with your details, premises address and required load.
- Upload the ownership, ID and address documents (and owner consent if a tenant).
- Use the portal's charges calculator to see the amount, then pay online (net banking / card / wallet) and save the receipt.
- A TANGEDCO official inspects the premises and checks the wiring; once cleared, the meter is installed and the connection energised.
What the charges cover
| Charge | What it is |
|---|---|
| Service connection fee | Cost of providing the connection |
| Development charges | Network/infrastructure contribution |
| Meter cost | The energy meter |
| Security deposit | Refundable deposit based on load |
The total depends on the connection type, load, and whether supply is overhead or underground, so use the portal's calculator for your exact figure rather than assuming a fixed amount.
Common issues
- Ownership proof mismatch — the name on the document must match the applicant (or use tenant consent).
- Under-declared load — causes trips and penalties; declare realistically.
- Incomplete wiring — the premises must pass the wiring/test before energising.
- Tenant without owner consent — you'll need Form 5 or the indemnity route.
Single-phase or three-phase?
A choice that confuses many first-time applicants is the phase of supply:
| Supply | Suits |
|---|---|
| Single-phase | Most homes with normal appliances |
| Three-phase | Higher loads — motors, big AC/heating, workshops, larger houses |
If you'll run a borewell motor, multiple ACs or heavy equipment, three-phase avoids voltage drops and trips; for a typical home, single-phase is enough and cheaper. When in doubt, ask a licensed electrician to estimate your total load before you pick — upgrading the phase later means another application.
How long it takes, and staying connected
Once you've applied, paid and passed the wiring inspection, the meter is usually installed and the supply energised within a few working days to a couple of weeks, depending on the area and whether new infrastructure (a pole or line extension) is needed. After that, keep your bills paid on time — persistent non-payment can lead to disconnection, and reconnection has its own charges. You can estimate ongoing costs with our TNEB bill calculator, and if you later buy or sell the property, complete a name transfer so the connection is in the correct name.
Related Tamil Nadu guides & tools
Already have a connection? See our TNEB name transfer guide and the TNEB bill calculator. For ownership proof you may need Patta & Chitta or the patta transfer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a new TNEB connection?
On the TANGEDCO new service connection portal — fill details and load, upload documents, pay, and get the meter after inspection.
What documents are needed?
Ownership proof (sale deed/patta/tax receipt), ID and address proof; tenants add owner consent (Form 5).
What are the charges?
Service fee + development charges + meter cost + security deposit, varying by load and type.
Can a tenant get a connection?
Yes — with the owner's consent (Form 5) or occupancy proof + indemnity bond (Form 6).
About ComplyKraft. Built by Dinesh Kumar S in Chennai — B.Sc. Mathematics, M.Sc. IT. Plain-language guides and free tools for Tamil Nadu.
Disclaimer: Informational guide, updated 2026. TNEB/TANGEDCO charges, forms and procedures can change — confirm on the official TANGEDCO portal before applying.