Power Minister Ramkrishna Dhavalikar informed the Goa State Assembly that arrears owed to the Electricity Department by consumers across various categories — including agriculture, commercial, domestic, industrial, and public services — have surged to Rs 572.24 crore in the financial year 2024–25.
The minister also disclosed that the department is currently involved in legal proceedings with four major consumers who collectively owe Rs 227.23 crore. He was responding to a question raised by MLAs Altone D’Costa, Yuri Alemao and Carlos Ferreira.
To deal with defaulters, the department issues a 15-day payment notice, failing which the electricity connection is temporarily disconnected. Dhavalikar added that for consumers citing financial hardship, an instalment facility is provided — with applicable delayed payment charges. However, non-compliance with instalment terms also results in disconnection.
In a move aimed at improving accountability and efficiency, the minister confirmed that the government has issued a work order for the installation of Smart Meters across the State.
However, the increasing arrears have attracted strong criticism from the opposition and civil society. Goa Forward Party (GFP) General Secretary (Organisation) and Spokesperson Durgadas Kamat said the figures expose the department’s failure to recover long-pending dues.
“When Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) members visited the State, we had categorically stated that arrears must be recovered, as the funds could be used to improve infrastructure. The Assembly reply makes it clear that the department has around Rs 2,800 crore in recoverable dues, including court cases. Excluding legal disputes, around Rs 2,600 crore still needs to be collected — equivalent to the annual budget of an entire department,” Kamat stated.
GOACAN Co-ordinator Roland Martins echoed similar concerns, warning that such huge arrears are directly affecting service delivery. “It’s becoming very clear that the department has failed to maintain financial discipline. Such large outstanding amounts are affecting its func-tioning and service to consumers.
This was also highlighted during the JERC Public Hearing held on May 9, 2025, in Panjim. It’s high time the Goa Electricity Department pulls up its socks and fast-tracks recovery,” he said.