Panaji, Goa: The Goa Forward Party, led by its President, has voiced strong opposition to the recent 3.5% hike in power tariffs that took effect on June 16, 2024, following approval by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC). The party argues that this increase imposes an undue financial burden on the residents of Goa, who are already facing high living costs.
The party criticizes the Electricity Department’s justification for the hike, which aims to reduce reliance on budgetary support. They claim the JERC is inappropriately treating the department like a power distribution corporation, negatively impacting domestic and non-commercial consumers. The department’s plan to align billing rates with the Average Cost of Supply (ACoS) is seen as disregarding the financial strain on citizens.
Residents are already adjusting to higher bills from the switch to three-phase connections and increased air conditioner use due to recent heat waves. The party also highlights substantial uncollected arrears and the misclassification of commercial properties billed at domestic rates, resulting in revenue loss and unfair financial burdens.
The Goa Forward Party demands an immediate rollback of the tariff hike, urging the government to focus on recovering outstanding dues, correcting billing classifications, and improving power supply quality, particularly in industrial areas like Verna Industrial Estate. The party stands with Goans in opposing the hike and calls for the government to reconsider its decision to ease the financial strain on residents. The delegation led by Party Vice president Dilip Prabhudessai, Organizational Secretary Durgadas Kamat, Party leader Santosh Sawant and other members submitted memorandum to CE Electricity regarding same.
