NT Reporter Panaji
Reflecting massive disruption in the supply of electricity to consumers, with nearly 40 power cuts per day, Goa witnessed 19,119 instances of power outages from January 2024 to May 2025.
Maximum outages were reported in substation division XVI, Margao (5,276), followed by VI Mapusa (2,422) and VII Curchorem (2,254). During the same period, the department received 2,316 complaints from consumers over inflated or incorrect bills.
Minister for Power Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar, replying to questions raised by AAP’s Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, said the department did not carry out load shedding. However, the frequency of power cuts was due to reasons such as grid failure, snapping of conductors, underground cable faults, tripping of power transformers, among others.
He said that to improve power quality, the department is carrying out maintenance of 220KV/110KV, EHV and 33KV substations, as well as interstate and intrastate lines. Renovation and improvement of HT/LT lines are being undertaken, as well as upgrading the capacity of transformers based on consumer demand, he said.
Dhavalikar said regular maintenance of transformer centres, RMUs and LV panels wherever needed are among the measures being taken to reduce power outages. Other measures include converting overhead 11KV and 33KV lines to underground cabling to minimise faults caused by falling trees, branches, line snapping and weather disturbances. Tightening or replacement of loose jumpers, replacement of old conductors and commissioning of 33/11KV substations are also being undertaken.
On consumer complaints regarding billing disputes and grievances, Dhavalikar said the department has established multiple mechanisms, which include the 24×7 helpline number 1912 and customer care portals such as CPGRAMS/PGRS. When a consumer frequently complains about inflated electricity bills, the meter is sent for testing.
at the MRT lab and, upon payment of the meter testing fee, further action is taken as per the Electricity Supply Code, 2018. If the consumer disputes the result of testing, they may approach the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF).
