Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Proceedings before the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) on the issue of smart electricity meters were deferred to July 15 on Wednesday, giving stakeholders more time to examine the concerns and representations submitted by members of the public.
The adjournment came after Amicus Curiae Adv Abhijit Gosavi requested a fortnight to review documents, suggestions and queries received from citizens regarding the ongoing smart meter exercise in Goa.
At the hearing, petitioners questioned various aspects of the project and urged authorities to continue the present billing arrangement based on recorded electricity consumption. They expressed apprehensions about the transition to smart metering and sought greater transparency on its implementation.
Representing the Electricity Department, officials told the Commission that the smart meter initiative is being undertaken as part of a nationwide power sector programme and is not an independent state-level scheme. They maintained that Goa is among several states moving towards smart metering in line with directions issued under central policies.
The Department further contended that the State Government has limited scope to discontinue the programme, as it forms part of a broader framework being promoted across the country.
During the proceedings, officials also informed the Commission that a separate legal challenge concerning smart meters is currently pending before the Nagpur Bench of the High Court.
To support its submissions, the Department placed before the Commission a letter from Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. The communication describes prepaid smart metering as a major component of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), which aims to modernise electricity distribution networks, improve operational efficiency and curb financial losses faced by distribution companies.
After hearing the submissions, the Commission decided to grant additional time for examination of the material on record and scheduled the next hearing for July 15.
