PANAJI
The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has recommended that Goa explore incentive-based programmes to encourage consumers to shift electricity consumption away from peak-demand periods, a move aimed at reducing stress on the power grid and lowering costly power purchases.
It also advised the Goa Electricity department to explore demand-response programmes, battery energy storage systems and consumer-owned rooftop solar solutions to address rising peak-hour electricity demand and reduce power procurement costs.
The recommendation was made during the JERC State Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting, where members discussed measures to improve power system efficiency amid rising electricity demand in the State.
During the deliberations, India Smart Grid Forum President Reji Kumar Pillai highlighted the success of a demand-response pilot project in Lucknow, under which consumers were offered incentives to alter their electricity usage patterns and move consumption away from peak hours. The initiative resulted in savings for large consumers, including IT parks and hotels, while also helping utilities better manage peak demand.
Pillai suggested that a similar programme could be undertaken in Goa, particularly targeting hotels, commercial establishments and other large consumers. Under such a mechanism, consumers could be rewarded for reducing or shifting electricity consumption during periods of high demand, thereby easing pressure on the grid.
The SAC also discussed the need for battery energy storage systems and consumer-owned rooftop solar installations as additional tools to manage peak demand.
Former Power System Operation Corporation chief S K Soonee noted that studies on Goa's electricity profile showed that nearly 10 per cent of the capacity required to meet peak demand is needed for only about 2 per cent of the year.
He suggested promoting behind-the-meter resources such as battery storage and rooftop solar systems, which can supply power during peak hours and reduce dependence on expensive market purchases.
The recommendations assume significance as Goa's peak power demand has been rising steadily, touching 864 MW during 2025-26 compared to 810 MW in 2024-25 and 776 MW in 2023-24. With demand expected to increase further, the advisory body emphasised the need for innovative measures that can reduce peak-hour consumption while improving overall grid efficiency.
