Team Herald
PORVORIM: Due to lack of land in Goa to install solar panels as per the JERC (Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission) to generate 150 mega watt power, Power Minister Milind Naik said these can be installed on government buildings for successful implementation.
In Gujarat solar panels are fitted on canals and here these can be installed on all government offices, Naik replied during the debate on cut motions on the alternative sources of power in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
Speaking on the underground cabling, Naik informed the House that the Power Department has laid 114 kms of 11KV line, 119 kms of 33KV line, 458 kms of KV line and almost 458 kms proposed is under process.
He said that areal bunch line of 1100 kms has been tendered connecting important feeders of the State. In North Goa there will be 500 km line whereas 600 km will be in South Goa. He said that areal bunch concept will reduce 65 percent of the costs as compared to underground cabling.
He said that frequent power cuts are due to over current fault, short circuit and earth fault. The necessary works have been carried out by the department to avoid all the faults regularly but despite efforts power cuts happen, he admitted.
He also said that the electricity helpline number has received 3.20 lakh complaints, which on an average are 300 calls a day.
He said the department since 2012 has recruited 1685 staff and an additional 800 will be recruited soon.
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LED bulb distribution will recommence soon
PORVORIM: Distribution of free LED bulbs is on hold due to technical issues but will commence again, Power Minister Milind Naik told the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. He said that five lakh bubs have been distributed by the department and that those who have taken the bulbs under the central scheme Ujala for Rs 25 each will be refunded as the scheme was later modified to give free bulbs. “We have material in stock, we will commence the scheme soon,” Naik assured. He informed the House that there are 300 to 400 houses that are still not connected with the electricity.
