Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa’s electricity authorities are stepping up efforts to curb the misuse of domestic electricity connections for commercial purposes, launching a state-wide verification drive following the rollout of the new power tariff structure.
The department plans to reassess and reclassify all connections, ensuring properties such as rented villas, holiday homes, and other commercial operations are billed under the correct low-tension commercial category.
Officials said the move aims to prevent loss of revenue and ensure fair billing for all consumers.
To bolster the initiative, the electricity department is coordinating with agencies like the tourism department to identify properties operating commercially under domestic rates.
The decision comes after citizens raised concerns during the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) public hearing in May, urging stricter monitoring and the establishment of a dedicated cell to flag violations.
Transparency issues were also discussed, with consumers noting that proforma account and Demand, Collection, and Balance (DCB) statements, promised in January 2023, remain inaccessible.
The department clarified that such records are available only via formal requests or RTI applications.
The crackdown signals a strong regulatory push, aiming to plug loopholes in electricity billing and reinforce compliance across the State.
