PORVORIM
Power Minister Nilesh Cabral on Tuesday said the project for a new substation at Saligao is ready, with approval awaited from the finance department.
“During the last six months, no approval for the new projects has been accorded due to financial constraints. Once the project is cleared by the finance department, it will be tendered,” said Cabral.
He was speaking at Saligao after inaugurating the 45 KW Grid Connected Solar PV Roof-Top Power Plant at the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) in Saligao. The event was organised by Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) in association with GSPCB.
The power minister said the State government has been offering a 50% subsidy for the installation of solar panel on houses or buildings.
“The lifespan of a solar panel is 25 years. The remaining 50% of expenses are recovered with four years and for the remaining 21 years, the consumer need not pay energy charges.
“Given this, everybody should install solar panels on their buildings by availing the 50% subsidy. The government received very few applications for solar panels last year,” said Cabral.
GSPCB Member Secretary Dr Shamila Monteiro said since the installation of solar power plant atop their building, there has been a reduction in energy charges and as a result, expenses of their establishment had reduced considerably.
GEDA Member Secretary Sanjeev Joglekar and Rainbow Solar Power Solutions and Automation CEP Dilip Nayak also spoke on the occasion.
Fashion to oppose govt projects: Minister
Unhappy over the statewide protests and opposition to mega projects in the State, Power Minister Nilesh Cabral said it had become a fashion these days to oppose every project of the government.
“The State government does not produce power and hence, people should not oppose power-related projects, said the minister, during a function at the Goa State Pollution Control Board in Saligao.
