Residents of Goa are set to face financial penalties if they draw more electricity than their officially sanctioned limit. The state's electricity department has announced a strict crackdown on consumers who exceed their contracted load demand, marking a significant shift in enforcement policy.
What is Contracted Load and Why Does It Matter?
The contracted load is the maximum amount of power a consumer is officially approved to use when they first obtain an electricity connection. It forms the basis for infrastructure planning by the department. However, officials note a growing trend where households install high-consumption appliances like geysers, washing machines, and air conditioners without formally updating their sanctioned load.
"Due to economic growth, people add power-consuming gadgets without increasing their contracted load," explained a department engineer. This undeclared surge in demand puts immense, unplanned pressure on the local power distribution network.
Details of the New Penalty Regime
This initiative represents the first time the department is imposing penalties specifically on domestic consumers for load violations. The financial repercussions are twofold. Consumers will not only be billed for their actual energy consumption but will also have to pay an additional penalty calculated on a proportionate basis for the excess demand over their contracted limit.
The move follows a statement in June 2024 by Power Minister Ramkrishna 'Sudin' Dhavalikar. He had declared that all homes in Goa would be inspected to verify if they had applied for a load increase matching their actual usage. The minister had urged consumers to self-assess their load and declare any increases at their local subdivision office to avoid future complications.
Consequences of Overloading and the Call to Action
The department highlights serious infrastructure issues caused by this widespread practice. The unofficial overloading of circuits is a primary culprit behind transformer failures and blown fuses, leading to localized power outages and costly repairs.
The department's core message is a clear call to action for the public. Consumers are strongly requested to regularize their loads as per their actual requirements. By officially updating their sanctioned load, residents can avoid penalties, ensure a more stable power supply, and help the department manage and upgrade its infrastructure effectively.
