PANAJI
Goa’s power sector has recorded a fresh increase in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, which rose to 10.39 per cent in 2024-25, reversing the improvement seen in 2023-24 when losses had fallen below the 10 per cent mark. However, the State continues to perform better than the national average of around 15 per cent.
As per the latest data from the Union Power Ministry, AT&C losses increased from 9.09 per cent in 2023-24 to 10.39 per cent in 2024-25. The losses had remained relatively stable at around 9.32 per cent until mid-2025, before rising towards the end of the financial year.
The data also shows a rise in power consumption. Goa’s net input energy increased to 5,388 million units (MU) in 2024-25, compared to 5,185 MU in the previous year. Similarly, net energy sold went up to 4,970 MU from 4,761 MU. Despite the rise in losses, billing efficiency improved from 91.82 per cent to 92.50 per cent.
AT&C losses indicate the gap between the electricity supplied and the revenue collected. These losses are caused by both technical issues, such as ageing infrastructure and overloaded systems, and commercial issues like power theft, faulty metering and billing inefficiencies.
Officials said the increase in losses is mainly due to delays in rolling out smart meters and the slow progress of distribution revamp projects. Ageing power infrastructure and higher load on the system have also contributed to technical losses. At the same time, issues such as power theft and billing gaps continue to impact overall efficiency, even though revenue collection remains above 90 per cent.
Despite the setback, the power department is confident of bringing losses under control in the current financial year. Officials said the ongoing installation of smart meters will help improve billing accuracy and enable real-time monitoring, reducing commercial losses.
In addition, the State is upgrading its power distribution network through feeder improvements, underground cabling and system strengthening works to reduce technical losses.
“We have already taken up infrastructure upgradation works worth Rs 1,500 crore in the current financial year. Over the last two to three years, projects worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore have been completed,” an official said.
Authorities expect that these combined efforts will help bring AT&C losses back below 10 per cent within the year.
