The state power department has recalibrated its enforcement strategy for electricity meter relocation, effectively easing the dead-line to January 2026 and keeping disconnections on hold, Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said while speaking to the media recently. While the formal deadline of November 28 remains unchanged, the minister said the department has slowed down implementation after reviewing ground realities and the festive season.
“No power supply has been dis-connected due to the shifting order: Officially there is no extension, but we are going slow with the disconnection order,” an engineer from the electricity department said.
Officials said the pause on disconnections is meant to ensure compliance without disruption during Christmas and year-end festivities, with the department focusing on coordination and assistance rather than punitive action at this stage.
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Dhavalikar also referred to the state’s underground cabling programme, saying all details would be placed before the House during the Winter Session of the State Legislature.
“For now, I will not speak about it. The work will now proceed faster, and we aim to complete all underground cabling by 2026,” he said.
The meter-shifting drive is aimed at relocating meters to accessible locations to facilitate regular reading and maintenance. Goa has about 7.6 lakh electricity consumers, and officials estimate that nearly five percent have meters installed in places that are difficult to access. Around 40,000 households have been identified where meters are located inside premises or in inaccessible spots, with about 20,000 re-quiring relocation.
Consumers residing abroad have been advised to complete formalities through authorised relatives or friends, while others have been asked to approach their respective electricity section offices. Notices issued by the department require consumers to identify protected and accessible locations for installation. Dhavalikar said the meter-shifting exercise would continue in phases and alongside preparations for the rollout of smart meters in the state, a project that has now been pushed to December following earlier delays.
