Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar announced a new electricity billing framework designed to encourage energy conservation and responsible consumption, even as the Opposition lashed out at the government, calling it a direct burden on Goans.
Addressing reporters at the Mantralaya, Dhavalikar said the revised system — which will take effect from December 2025 — introduces both incentives and penalties based on consumption patterns. “Households that use less electricity will receive a 20% rebate, while those who waste power, especially during peak hours from 5 pm to 9 am, will face a 20% surcharge,” he explained.
According to the minister, the model was developed after a two-year study and aims to reduce energy wastage, promote sustainability, and ensure fairness in billing. “The idea is to make Goans conscious of their energy habits and responsible in their usage,” Dhavalikar said, calling the initiative a key step towards “efficiency and accountability” in the State’s power sector.
The announcement follows the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (JERC) latest tariff order, which approved a five-year structure featuring an average 4% annual hike in electricity tariffs until 2029–30. The JERC’s decision was more moderate than the 5.64% increase proposed by the Goa Electricity Department, which had argued that higher rates were necessary to maintain financial stability without compromising consumer affordability.
However, the Opposition, particularly the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), launched a fierce attack on the government’s move. GPCC Media Department Chairman Amarnath Panjikar labelled the surcharge as “daylight robbery” on ordinary citizens.
“This is an anti-people decision by the BJP government. Hardworking Goans, already struggling with inflation and unemployment, will now be penalised for using electricity during essential hours,” Panjikar said. “Students, small shopkeepers, and local businesses who rely on power in the evening will suffer the most.”
He accused the government of betraying its ‘Swayampurna Goa’ vision, turning it instead into ‘Suffering Goa’, citing escalating prices of fuel, water, and now electricity. The Congress, he warned, would launch statewide protests unless the government withdraws the 20% peak-hour surcharge, calling the move “draconian and unjustified.”
