PANAJI
Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar on Monday informed that the State Government is planning to form a State Electricity Regulatory Commission for Goa.
"We have discussed this issue with the Chief Minister. He has already given directives to the Electricity Department to work out this proposal. We will also seek legal advise on the same and will see how immediately we can form it", said Madkaikar adding, "The State Government has not increased the power tariff in the last two years," he stated.
He was responding to Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral who sought to know whether the State Government will sign an agreement with Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), as there is no representation from the State Government as far as JERC is concerned.
"Since 2006 there is no representation by the State Government as there is no agreement with JERC. Will you consider signing the agreement so that we have a representation?" questioned Cabral.
Madkaikar however said, "We have not signed an agreement with JERC as we are of the opinion that we should have our own Commission. We are thinking of having an independent commission. Under JERC guidelines, Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum is set up which is located at Vasco. If there are any issues of consumers they can approach the forum."
Intervening, Parrikar assured Cabral that the issue will be examined and considered if possible.
"As per JERC norms we have to buy 10 per cent of green power. If we want to go Green we'll have to spend more. As on today, the state is subsidising domestic power to the extent of Rs 170 crore", he said.
Madkaikar however informed that there is Rs 163 crore deficit to the Electricity Department and JERC has urged the State Government to increase the tariff to compensate for the same.
