Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 13: The Goa government has temporarily suspended the installation of new smart electricity meters following widespread public protests and mounting complaints over unexpectedly high power bills across the state.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the decision on Friday after reviewing concerns raised by consumers, legislators and various political parties regarding sharp increases in electricity charges after the introduction of smart meters.

For more than a week, residents in different parts of Goa have been protesting against inflated electricity bills, with several consumers claiming that their monthly charges had increased significantly after the replacement of conventional meters with smart meters.

Addressing the issue, Sawant said the review had revealed multiple factors contributing to the billing disputes. In some cases, old or malfunctioning meters had been replaced, while in others, consumers were found to be drawing electricity beyond their sanctioned load limits. According to the Chief Minister, several households that previously received bills of around Rs 1,000 were suddenly being billed as much as Rs 5,000 after the installation of the new meters.

The Chief Minister directed the Electricity Department to immediately halt further smart meter installations and conduct a detailed verification of newly installed meters where complaints have been reported.

He said officials would reassess electricity consumption records, sanctioned loads and billing calculations before issuing revised bills. Consumers will only be required to pay the actual amount due after verification, while penalties and interest charges imposed during the disputed period will not be collected until the review process is completed.

Sawant also assured residents that no electricity connections would be disconnected while the verification exercise is underway. He urged consumers to carefully examine their bills and ensure their sanctioned load matches their actual electricity usage.

According to the government, many consumers may have unknowingly exceeded their approved load capacity over time, leading to additional charges under the new metering system. Those requiring higher power consumption have been advised to apply for an enhancement of their sanctioned load to avoid future penalties.

The Chief Minister further stated that consumers who have already paid penalty charges can submit applications for review. Following verification, the government will determine whether corrective measures or refunds are required.

The Electricity Department is expected to undertake a comprehensive audit of disputed bills and meter readings before the smart meter programme is resumed in the state.