The Electricity Department has issued a notice urging consumers to ensure that their elec tricity meters are easily accessible to meter read ers, in accordance with Regulation 5.125 of the Joint Electricity Regula tory Commission (JERC) Supply Code, 2018. The notice specifies that meters located inside premises and not easily accessible must be shift ed to a more accessible location by November 28, 2025. The move is aimed at ensuring regular and ac curate monthly billing based on actual readings, as well as facilitating rou tine maintenance without causing inconvenience to consumers. Consumers have been advised to identify a suit able location for meter installation that is easily reachable and protected from adverse weather, such as rain. They are then required to contact their respec tive sub-division office, details of which are avail able on their electrici ty bills, to arrange the relocation. The notice warns that failure to comply may re sult in disconnection of power supply until the is sue is resolved.
In cases of permanent disconnection, the connection cannot be restored, and consumers will need to apply for a new connection following all departmental formalities. The department has also requested that the notice be cir culated to property owners currently staying outside the State, whose meters are located indoors. An Electricity Department official told O Heraldo that most consumers have complied with the instructions, with only around 15 per cent yet to shift their meters. The official clarified, “We have informed consumers that me ters must be accessible as mandated by JERC regulations. Meter readings cannot be taken properly if meters are not accessible. We cannot enter someone’s house without the owner’s permission. Accessible meters also help in case of emergencies. However, electricity supply will not be dis connected immediately. Show-cause notices will be issued first, and only if there is no response will further action be taken.” The notice has, however, drawn objections from politi cal circles. On Thursday, a Congress delegation led by Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Amit Pat kar met the Electricity Department officials to raise con cerns about the directive. Speaking to reporters, Patkar said, “The notice itself is confusing. It asks consumers to make meters accessible by November 28, but most houses have meters on the wall in side the compound. The expectation seems to be relocating the meter closer to the boundary or compound, suppos edly for emergency access in case of fire or short circuit. I questioned the logic, as in an actual fire, help will not reach the meter before the fire itself. This is why the rationale behind this notice is unclear.
