The Goa Electricity Department has directed nearly 40,000 domestic consumers to relocate their electricity meters from inside their homes to accessible outdoor locations by November 28, 2025. This decision affects over 5% of the state’s 7.41 lakh domestic users, whose meters are currently installed in places inaccessible to meter readers.
Department officials noted that many of these premises are often locked or belong to owners living outside Goa or abroad, making it difficult to obtain accurate meter readings. Consequently, billing is done based on estimated average consumption, which can lead to revenue loss and inaccurate billing. Inaccessible meters also hinder regular audits and raise concerns over potential tampering, such as breaking meter seals.
Chief Electrical Engineer Stephen Fernandes issued the directive in late May, emphasizing the need for meter accessibility to ensure accurate monthly billing, improve operational efficiency, and reduce man-hour losses. The department has pointed out that relying on average readings often results in under-billing, affecting overall revenue collection.
Consumers are required to identify a suitable outdoor location—preferably weather-protected—for their meter and coordinate with their local sub-station officials, whose contact details are available in their electricity bills.
Failure to comply with the deadline may trigger a penal disconnection process. In cases of permanent disconnection, consumers will have to reapply for a fresh connection by completing all necessary formalities as per department rules.
The department has specifically urged out-of-state and NRI consumers to take prompt action and share this information with caretakers or local contacts to avoid service disruptions.
This move is aimed at improving transparency, reducing billing errors, and enhancing accountability in electricity consumption across Goa.