Goa Achieves Remarkable Progress in Power Sector
Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, conducted a comprehensive review meeting in Panaji with Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and senior officials, focusing on key power sector developments, loss reduction measures, and progress under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
Commending Goa’s achievements, Shri Manohar Lal highlighted the State’s exemplary performance in reducing Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses to 9.32%—well below the national average. He noted, “Goa has shown exemplary performance in reducing AT&C losses to 9.32%, which is significantly below the national average. This is a testament to the State’s sustained efforts in improving the efficiency of its power distribution system.”
The Minister lauded the infrastructure improvements being executed under the RDSS to enhance power reliability and reduce losses. However, he urged the State to fast-track the rollout of smart meters, underscoring their potential to transform consumer interaction with DISCOMs by enabling data-driven services through analytics and AI/ML integration.
“Now that the contracts have been awarded, I am confident that the implementation will gain momentum. Prioritizing saturation of smart meters in Government offices, colonies, commercial and industrial units, and high-load consumers will help ensure digitization and improved service delivery,” Shri Manohar Lal noted.
Highlighting the importance of operational efficiency, the Minister encouraged the State to further reduce utility losses and integrate more Renewable Energy into the grid. He mentioned that this would help lower the cost of power supply and enhance overall performance.
Shri Manohar Lal also acknowledged Goa’s citizen-centric efforts in simplifying procedures for rooftop solar installations and new electricity connections, enhancing the ease of living for consumers.
Given that around 80% of Goa’s electricity is procured from outside the State, the Minister urged the State to explore all possible avenues for local generation of power. He also encouraged the State to consider the possibility of establishing a nuclear power facility as a long-term measure for energy security and sustainability.
