PANJIM: Acrimonious scenes were witnessed at a public hearing on a power tariff hike proposed by the Electricity Department and the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commissions (JERC) where public voiced their disquiet over the Rs 3.25 hike in electricity rate. They demanded a thorough review of the same by the department.
A proposed hike on energy charges by Rs 3.25 per kwh for residential, Rs 4.50 per kwh for commercial and Rs 3.90 per kwh for industrial sector came up for harsh criticism, with many consumers complaining of faulty metres, late billing and grossly inflated bills. The petition also proposed a hike on fixed charges per month to Rs 100 for residential complexes and Rs 200 for commercial and industrial complexes.
“There have been instances where consumers have received bills six to eight months late and that too showing exorbitant amount. It is difficult to come up with the money and the department must understand this,” said one Aldona resident.
An increase in the distribution losses from 12.7 percent in 2012-13 to 15 per cent in 2014-15 was another cause for concern among consumers.
Chairman of JERC, S K Chaturvedi said that while he was happy with the outcome of the public meeting, a change was required in the working of the system, as he listened to citizens’ complaints of faulty metres, wastage of electricity especially in government offices and maintenance of street lights.
“It is a good thing that when we put up proposals and ask for public’s response, they show up in great numbers. Of course there needs to be a change in the department but otherwise I think Goa is doing better than any other State. Desired levels are yet to be achieved but is possible,” Chaturvedi said.
During the public hearing, the chairman also suggested the department organise a meeting once in four or six months for consumers to voice their concerns.
The Electricity department that filed petition number 160/2015 for approval of business plan for the financial year 2015-16 to 2017-18 of the Electricity department and petition 161/2015 in respect of annual performance review for 2014-15 and tariff proposals for 2015-16 are expecting an order to be passed in the next couple of days.
Commenting on the matter, GOACAN coordinator Roland Martins said, “The department should defer from any hike. The commission needs to see the department through and through,” he said adding that something positive would come out of the submissions submitted to the commission.
Voltage fluctuations, switching on and off of street lights in villages, and panchayat involvement, were also discussed at the meeting that was attended by the Secretary (Power) Prashant Goyal.
who also took time to address people’s concerns.
