PANAJI
The state government had come out with a draft of solar policy sometime back. When asked why the government is taking so much time to come out with the final policy, Jaiswal replied, "There are lot of steps after the draft policy. For example, we have to take the suggestions from public. Then, it has to be sent to various government departments for vetting. The policy will come out in 1-2 months."
Solar power is a renewable source of energy and therefore several countries in the world have made huge strides in tapping it. Despite getting enough sunlight, Goa has not been able to tap solar power so far in a significant way.
Sections of society have earlier complained that the government does not provide any incentive for the use of solar energy. But, it seems that the State government has finally decided to incentivise the use of solar energy.
Jaiswal said, "Under the solar policy, there will be three categories of consumers: individuals, industries and distributors. We will give different incentives for the use of solar power to each of these categories."
Jaiswal further informed, "We will have a system of reverse bidding. In India, JERC (Joint Regulatory Electricity Commission) decides tariff structure. Under reverse bidding, preference will be given to distributors, who will give max discount to the tariff."
