Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Apr 25: In a move likely to impact consumers across the board, the Goa electricity department has proposed power tariff hikes for three consecutive financial years — beginning 2025-26 — with a 5.95% increase in rates across all categories for the first year.

The department has submitted its proposal to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for approval, marking the fourth straight year of proposed tariff hikes since 2022-23.

According to the department’s submission, the proposed hike for 2026-27 is 5.64%, followed by a 4.88% increase for 2027-28. The JERC has invited objections and suggestions from the public within 21 days. A public hearing is scheduled for May 9 at the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji.

For the upcoming financial year 2025-26, fixed charges for low tension (LT) domestic consumers are proposed to increase from Rs 20/kW per month to Rs 20.60. Energy charges under this category will also see incremental hikes:

• 0–100 units: From Rs 1.90/kWh to Rs 1.96

• 101–200 units: From Rs 2.80/kWh to Rs 2.91

• 201–300 units: From Rs 3.70/kWh to Rs 3.89

• 301–400 units: From Rs 4.90/kWh to Rs 5.15

• Above 400 units: From Rs 5.80/kWh to Rs 6.15

Steeper hikes are proposed for high-tension domestic users, as well as for commercial, industrial (low and high tension), hotel industries, agricultural connections, public lighting, military and defence establishments, and even hoardings and signboard categories.

The electricity department has cited rising operational costs and the need for financial sustainability as reasons for the proposed hikes. However, the proposed plan has raised concerns among consumers, especially residential and small business users, already grappling with inflationary pressures.