PANJIM: The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has noted an increase in 35 per cent of employees in the Goa Electricity Department and wants a study on manpower required.
The JERC which has passed an order on Tuesday said, “Employee costs have increased from INR.152.42 cr as approved to INR.205.00 cr as per actual, a 35% increase.” Therefore, the JERC says there is a need for a study on manpower required in the department.
The Commission has also questioned the levy of infrastructure tax for development of electricity infrastructure in Goa. “The petitioner is directed to clarify the nature and use of this tax levied by the Town and Country Planning Department and submit the details of the same to the commission on priority basis,” JERC says.
Further, the JERC pointed out that there was no increase in tariff, which was expected as this was an election year.
“The revenue gap of Rs 329.25 crore would mean that 17.49% tariff hike would be required but due to budgetary support from Goa government this was not required,” it noted.
On the frequent power interruptions, the commission further directed the petitioner (government) to upload the area-wise interruption details on its website.
The commission has pulled up the government for failure to submit the Energy Audit Report of the State for FY 2014-15.
“The Commission is of the view that due to this distortion observed in energy sales, it is not possible to project the energy sales for FY 2018-19 as no definite trends can be observed. The Commission, due to these reasons was also not able to revise the energy sales, power purchase quantum etc. in the ARR approved for FY 2018-19 in the tariff order for FY 2018-19 and was obligated to approve the same energy sales as approved in the MYT order,” it says.
