Power dept set to verify connections and detect misuse

Panaji: To address the misuse of domestic connections for commercial activities, the electricity department stated that it will carry out a “comprehensive verification exercise” after the new tariff structure comes into force.

“Each consumer’s connection type will be reassessed and categorised appropriately,” it stated in response to consumers’ concerns raised before the JERC at a public hearing in May.

“The electricity department is also actively collaborating with other departments, including the tourism department, to detect commercial operations running under domestic premises and ensure proper billing under low tension commercial categories,” the department added. Consumers at the public hearing raised concerns about the growing misuse of electricity tariffs in Goa, particularly in second homes and villas that are being leased or rented for commercial purposes but continue to be billed under domestic categories. The department requires a dedicated cell to monitor and reclassify such properties, they said.

In response to another consumer’s submission regarding the electricity department not disclosing the proforma account and demand, collection, and balance (DCB) statements for all divisions, the electricity department stated that to access the proforma account, one must submit an official request under the RTI Act or through the appropriate departmental channel.

The consumer stated that no response was received from the department despite a public statement made on Jan 14, 2023, requesting the department disclose the DCB statements for all divisions. The consumer at the public meeting also urged the JERC not to proceed with the tariff petition until the department provides the requested financial documents for public scrutiny.