Under flak, Goa govt withdraws power hike for certain segments

Under fire for hiking the domestic electricity tariff in Goa, the BJP-led state government today announced its roll-back for certain segments of consumers.

Criticising the government over the new power tariff, which came into force yesterday, the Congress today said the latest rates are almost on par with the commercial power usage rates.

Addressing a press conference today, State Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar said the government was rolling back in toto the power hike on consumption of power units from 101 to 200.

The current power tariff for consumption up to 100 units is Rs 1.30 per unit, which is left untouched by the government.

However, the tariff on power units from 101 to 200 was yesterday raised from Rs 1.90 per unit to Rs 2.25 per unit, which was withdrawn completely today.

The minister also said the new power tariff for the agricultural sector would also be withdrawn completely.

He, however, said the new rates would be applicable for other segments.

As per the new tariff structure, the domestic users consuming more than 200 units of power per month would pay Rs 2.65 per unit instead of Rs 2.45 per unit.

For utilising 301 to 401 units of power, consumers will now have to pay Rs 5.10 per unit, which is almost equivalent to the lowest commercial slab charge of Rs 5.15 per unit.

The government recently accepted recommendations of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), which had suggested a review of the power tariff in the state.

The power hike was opposed not only by the Congress but also by a BJP minister.

State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had last week threatened to take to streets if the government goes ahead with the hike.

Justifying the rate revision, Madkaikar said the state needed funds for creating better infrastructure for providing uninterrupted power supply.

"The people expect us to provide an uninterrupted power supply for which we need to create the necessary infrastructure," he said.