VASCO
Cortalim Congress leader Olencio Simoes has criticised Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar’s recent statement describing the 4% annual electricity tariff hike as “reasonable,” calling it deeply disappointing and disconnected from the hardships faced by Goans.
Simoes said that a 4% hike each year for the next five years would amount to a 20% overall increase ” a “massive blow to the common man.”
He pointed out that Goa’s inflation rate currently stands at 6.34%, the second highest in India, with essential commodities such as fuel and food already becoming unaffordable for average households.
Highlighting the poor condition of the state’s power infrastructure, Simoes said that frequent power cuts ” sometimes up to five times a day in Cortalim ” and voltage fluctuations regularly damage household appliances.
“Many iron poles are rusted and on the verge of collapse, yet instead of improving the network, the government is burdening consumers,” he said.
He demanded immediate withdrawal of the proposed tariff hike and urged the government to focus on strengthening infrastructure and promoting renewable energy, especially solar power.
Simoes also called for the urgent upgradation of the Verna sub-station, including doubling transformer and HTLS line capacity to ensure consistent and reliable power supply.
