MAPUSA: Despite severe inflation, people may suffer another jolt with the electricity tariff likely to go up.
Power Minister Ramkrishna Sudin Dhavalikar has said that the electricity tariff was likely to go up in case the price of coal shoots up. This is especially with reference to imported coal.
Dhavalikar said, “If the price of coal shoots up then we will have no alternative. Take for example, if the price of coal keeps rising due to the Russia-Ukraine war or any other international issue, then rates here will shift. The rates are decided by the JERC. We have no power to decide the rate,”
The Minister was addressing mediapersons after laying foundation for commencement of 11kv underground cabling of Siolim feeder in presence of local MLA Delilah Lobo and others.
The project is expected to be completed in the next five months and will provide a major relief to Siolim villagers from the constant power cuts and load shedding.
Chief Electrical Engineer (CEE) Stephen Fernandes informed that the present Siolim feeder is almost 40 years old as a result people were facing constant power cuts. The underground cabling will cover almost 32 km and will be completed in next five months.
When questioned about the Rs 57.3 lakh electricity bill issued to a Mandrem consumer, Power Minister brushed off calling it a clerical error. “The chief engineer will decide if any action is to be taken against the clerk,” he added.
