The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has formally opposed the proposed power tariff hike in the state by submitting a memorandum to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC). In its representation, the party demanded that the hike be put on hold, citing the adverse impact it would have on the common man and the broader economy.
GFP General Secretary Durgadas Kamat stated that the proposed increase would place a heavy financial burden on middle-class households, particularly those consuming between 250 to 750 units per month. He added that the hike would also negatively affect the industrial and agricultural sectors, with potential consequences for economic stability and food security.
“The government must act in the interest of the people, not add to their woes. A hike like this, especially during a time of economic uncertainty, is unacceptable,” Kamat said.
The GFP has urged the JERC to conduct wider public consultations and explore alternative solutions that do not pass the financial strain onto ordinary citizens and critical sectors.
Mukundraj Mudras, a representative at the hearing, criticized the Electricity Department for its failure to recover outstanding dues, which total in the crores. He argued that the department’s lack of monetization of assets and transparency in billing practices was hurting honest consumers. “There is a large amount of recovery due from customers, but this information is not being shared with the public. Honest customers who pay their bills are suffering because of this lack of transparency,” Mudras stated. He also emphasized the department's failure to act like a business entity, suggesting it needed to focus on recovering dues, particularly from cable operators, where efforts had stalled since a 2015 notification.
Ronald Martins, Coordinator of GOACAN, raised concerns over consumer categorization, noting that many buildings used for commercial purposes were still being billed as domestic consumers. Martins called for collaboration between the Electricity Department and the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department to ensure accurate data and proper categorization of properties.
Further criticism was aimed at the department’s handling of power theft, with Martins recommending the creation of dedicated teams to investigate theft across both districts. He questioned why consumers should bear the cost of failed projects initiated by the department and called for a thorough review of these initiatives. Martins also highlighted the lack of registration for generators and inverters with the department and stressed that accountability was essential for improving the power supply system.
In closing, Martins urged the Electricity Department to publish a white paper detailing the steps it intends to take to recover dues and reduce financial losses. The hearing underscored the growing demand for greater transparency, accountability, and proactive action to address the systemic issues affecting Goa’s electricity supply and billing system.