GCCI seeks fair power supply, cites disparity

Panaji: The Goa electricity department’s business plan reveals a stark mismatch in sectoral earnings and equitable power supply.

According to the plan presented before the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), industrial users form only 1% of

the consumer base but generate 49% of the revenue for the department.

In contrast, domestic users constitute 79% of the consumer base but contribute just 31% of total revenue to the department.

“Despite this, industrial consumers are often the first to face supply curtailments during load restrictions. This approach appears inequitable and calls for a more balanced load management strategy that considers the disproportionate contribution of industrial consumers to the overall system revenue,” said Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) director general Sanjay Amonkar.

The GCCI has conveyed its concern to the JERC and the electricity department about the differential treatment accorded to industrial consumers.

The electricity department gave its business plan and tariff proposals to JERC. however, the JERC came up with a new supply tariff structure and told the department to amend its business plan and tariff plans.

The GCCI also urged govt to explore alternate sources of power generation to meet the deficit in power supply during peak hours.

These initiatives could include battery storage for renewable power, pumped storage, mini and small hydro units, and long-term power purchases.

“Goa is short of peak power, and it procures it at a high cost. A few options for Goa may involve R&D, but it is worth having a look at,” said Amonkar.

The GCCI said that the electricity department has not created contingency plans for power supply during an emergency.

“This has not been explicitly provided for in the business plan. Goa needs to have a backup supply plan to cater to crisis situations,” said Amonkar.