Goa Electricity Department Proposes Power Tariff Hike for 2025-28; AAP Terms It “Dacoity” on Common Man
Panaji, April 26:
In a move that has sparked widespread concern, the Goa Electricity Department has proposed a hike in electricity tariffs by 5.95% across all categories of consumers for the financial year 2025-26. The proposal, which has been submitted to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), also includes additional hikes of 5.64% for 2026-27 and 4.88% for 2027-28.
This marks the fourth consecutive year of proposed tariff increases, raising alarm among citizens, businesses, and political parties.
Detailed Tariff Hike Proposed
For the financial year 2025-26, the state power department has suggested an increase in both fixed monthly charges and energy charges for various consumer categories.
For low tension domestic consumers:
- Fixed Charges:
- Increase from Rs 20/kW per month to Rs 20.60/kW
- Energy Charges:
- 0–100 units: Rs 1.90/kWh to Rs 1.96
- 101–200 units: Rs 2.80/kWh to Rs 2.91
- 201–300 units: Rs 3.70/kWh to Rs 3.89
- 301–400 units: Rs 4.90/kWh to Rs 5.15
- Above 400 units: Rs 5.80/kWh to Rs 6.15
The department has also proposed proportional hikes for high tension domestic, low and high tension commercial, industrial, and hotel industries. Other affected categories include agricultural connections, public lighting, military engineering, defence establishments, and even hoarding and signboard users.
Public Hearing on May 9
The JERC has invited public objections and suggestions regarding the tariff petition. Citizens have 21 days to submit their inputs before the public hearing, scheduled for May 9 at Institute Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji. This gives residents a crucial opportunity to voice their concerns about the financial implications of the proposed hikes.
Political Reaction: AAP Slams Government
Reacting sharply to the proposal, Adv. Sunil Loran, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader from Vasco, strongly condemned the hike. He described it as an “economic dacoity” on the people of Goa.
“The power rate hike is a clear example of the government’s apathy towards the common man. The increasing cost of living is already squeezing the pockets of Goans, and this hike will only add to their woes,” said Adv. Loran.
He added that this move would heavily impact middle-class families, small traders, and small-scale industries in Goa, all of whom are already grappling with rising prices for basic goods and services.
AAP has demanded that the government reconsider the hike and explore alternative financial mechanisms to manage energy costs. The party vowed to stand in solidarity with Goans and continue to fight for the rights of ordinary citizens.
Background
Since the financial year 2022-23, the Goa Electricity Department has proposed tariff hikes each year, citing increasing operational costs and infrastructure demands. However, critics argue that the burden is being unfairly shifted onto the public, without sufficient accountability or improvement in power supply reliability.
What’s Next?
As the May 9 public hearing approaches, consumer groups, opposition parties, and industry stakeholders are expected to submit their formal objections and participate in the discussion. The outcome of the hearing will determine whether the proposed hikes are approved, modified, or rejected.
