65% at risk as only 35% of consumers comply with dept’s directive
PANAJI
The deadline set by the Goa Electricity Department for consumers to relocate electricity meters from inaccessible locations ended on Friday, with officials warning that the process for disconnections will now begin.
According to a top engineer in the GED, only 35 per cent of consumers have complied with the directive to shift their meters to convenient locations, leaving 65 per cent still in obstructed spaces such as inside homes or mounted at impractical heights.
“Action will start. Consumers who have failed to relocate their meters could face processes for disconnection,” the engineer said.
The department had identified 38,000 meters in affected areas, of which 12,000 have been successfully relocated. Notices were first issued in May, giving consumers six months to comply.
Chief Electrical Engineer Stephen Fernandes had repeatedly cautioned in the public notices that failure to comply would invite strict measures, including disconnection.
Officials explained that inaccessible meters pose significant challenges for meter readers, who often find homes locked or meters placed at heights that make readings inaccurate. This has led to repeated delays and errors in billing.
With the deadline now over, engineers across the State have been instructed to initiate disconnections in line with departmental orders. The move is expected to impact thousands of households that failed to comply, marking a decisive step in the department’s efforts to streamline meter reading and billing operations.
