TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Power consumers from Raia and neighbouring villages received a shocking New Year gift from the Power Department by way of hefty power bills running into thousands of rupees for a period ranging from five to six months.
In fact, the residents received the shock of their life when they received bills for a 5-6 month period ranging from Rs 5000 to Rs 12000 and more, leaving them with the question as to how to clear the bills.
Agitated over the Power Department’s action, the residents have now decided to call on senior power officials at the Aquem Powerhouse on Thursday. A power consumer Manuel Barbosa said that he has received a bill of Rs 7500 for the six-month period. “I fail to understand how the Power Department has calculated the meter bill. We do not know how to pay the huge amount. We cannot be blamed for the failure of the power department,” Barbosa said.
Anthony Fernandes said the power department has raised the bills at the beginning of the New Year when the people may face difficulties in effecting payment after the Christmas festival. “We have received a shocking New Year gift from the power department. We will tell the officials that we cannot pay the huge amount. Let them come out with a solution,” he said, adding that the power consumers along with Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco will meet the senior power officials to express their anguish over the hefty bills.
