PANAJI
Amid ongoing conflict between Goa electricity department and internet service providers (ISPs) and cable TV operators over illegal use of poles to string their cables, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has sought a detailed report over non-tariff revenue from monetized power infrastructure assets in the State.
In its tariff order issued on September 30, the JERC has directed Goa electricity department to submit the data related to the non-tariff income gained from asset monetization as on date.
The JERC appreciated the concern raised by the stakeholders during public meeting. In the meeting, as noted by JERC, the stakeholders submitted that monetising the electricity department’s assets remains unaddressed, with the hanging cables on electric poles case still pending. “No recovery has been made from the cable operators or internet providers since 2015, and the department lacks data on cable operators using their assets,” the stakeholders said.
The stakeholders were of the firm view that the advertisement boards on poles should bear the department’s tag of approval and question whether political party figures are excluded from payment.
The department acknowledged the stakeholder’s comments and suggestions. “The department submitted that it already charges the cable operators for utilizing the electrical poles and also take charges for the temporary hoardings placed on the poles,” the JERC noted.
“The Commission appreciates the Stakeholder’s concern and directs the Petitioner to submit the details related to the non-tariff income gained from asset monetization with details,” the JERC said.
The non-tariff income refers to revenue generated from sources other than a specific service's like meter rent or tariff or penalties, etc.
The state electricity department has demanded crores in rent as well as penalties from internet service providers (ISPs) and cable TV operators for using electricity poles to string their cables but has failed to recover any funds despite issuing multiple notices. Through series of notices, the department had asked the operators to pay over Rs 21 crore, Rs 12 crore, Rs 5 crore, etc.
The operators had moved the High Court of Bombay at Goa, who while directing the department to proceed with removing unauthorized cables, asked the operators to obtain proper permissions and pay dues under the Telecommunication (Right of Way) Rules 2024.
