Households and businesses in Goa will soon feel the pinch of rising electricity costs as the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has approved an average annual tariff hike of 4% for five consecutive financial years, starting October 1, 2025. The hike aims to address the state’s widening revenue gap but has sparked strong criticism from the opposition and civil society.
While the Goa Electricity Department had proposed steeper hikes of up to 5.64%, JERC settled on a uniform 4% rise each year until 2029–30. The Commission also introduced a controversial “time-of-day tariff,” making electricity 20% costlier during peak hours between 5 pm and 1 am.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Opposition leaders and activists slammed the decision as insensitive and anti-people. AAP’s Valmiki Naik called it “daylight robbery,” noting that household bills have nearly doubled over three years. Goa Forward’s Durgadas Kamat said the government is “good at announcements but blind to daily struggles.” Activist Prabhav Naik likened the move to unleashing a “new demon” during the festive season, pointing out rising LPG prices alongside electricity hikes.
Consumer rights group GOACAN’s Roland Martins warned the hike could affect not just households but also Goa’s tourism economy. He urged the government to explore other revenue sources and step in with relief measures.
With festivals around the corner and the tourism season about to begin, the tariff hike risks deepening public discontent unless corrective action is taken by the state.
