The assurance came after a group of agitated consumers, led by social activist Pratima Coutinho, staged a protest at the Aquem Power House on Wednesday morning. The protesters descended on the power house after receiving electricity bills running into thousands of rupees, which they claimed were unjustifiably high.
The consumers gathered at the entrance of the Aquem Power House building, prompting Assistant Engineer and Superintending Engineer Rajeev Samant to meet them and address their grievances.
During the protest, consumers questioned why they had received inflated bills despite the Chief Minister’s earlier assurance that penalties imposed for increased power load would be waived. They also alleged that incorrect meter readings had further contributed to the excessive billing.
Residents from Telaulim additionally highlighted recurring problems of voltage fluctuations and frequent power outages in their area.
Following the protest, Coutinho held a telephonic conversation with Power Minister Dhavalikar and drew his attention to the concerns raised by consumers from Navelim and Telaulim. The minister assured her that the matter would be resolved within eight days.
Satisfied with the minister’s assurance, the protesters withdrew their agitation. However, they warned that they would return to the power house if the department failed to address their grievances within the stipulated period.
