GOACAN has called for district level consultations on the performance of electricity providers in the state to provide an opportunity for wider participation of all stake holders.

In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), GOACAN has pointed out that the Commission’s Consultation paper on Standards of Performance, available on the website of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, needs wider discussion so that the contents may be well understood by the electricity consumers of Goa who are the single largest group of stakeholders.

Copies of the letter have been sent to the Chief Minister, Govt. of Goa, Power Minister, Chief Secretary, Collectors & Chairpersons North & South Goa District Consumer Protection Council, Director, Dept. of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Chief  Electrical Engineer & Member Secretary – Power Advisory Committee (PAC), Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), New Delhi and the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd., Gurgaon.

It may be noted that the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission had issued a Public Notice dated 7/8/2009 which was published in the Herald Newspaper of 9/8/2009 stating that the JERC was undertaking a consultation / discussion on the Consultation Paper on Standards of Performance as prescribed under Section 57 of the Electricity Act, 2003 which would be held at the JERC Office, Gurgaon, Haryana on 8/9/09 at 2pm at which all stakeholders are invited.

GOACAN is of the firm belief that any service provided to the Consumers can be improved and better delivery provided including redressal of grievances if there is a participatory discussion approach by all stake holders.

GOACAN is convinced that the setting up of a Electricity Regulatory Commission covering the State of Goa is a step in the right direction and the full hearted involvement of the consumers and other stakeholders in the activities of the Commission is a necessity.

Meanwhile GOACAN appeals to consumers and all other stake holders to peruse the Consultation Paper on the Standards of Performance prepared by the JERC and made available on the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (CERC) website