Margao
Chief electrical engineer of the electricity department Stephen Fernandes has said that the Tamnar project will help resolve the power problems faced especially in South Goa and warned that if it doesn’t go through there will be a grid collapse in the country.
He said the project, which is facing opposition, will help bring stability in the transmission system without which there could be a grid collapse in the country which will not only cause huge losses but also a complete blackout.
He said the project will also allow to increase voltage limit as presently the moment there is problem first the industries are shut down and that is where the Tamnar line will help bring about stability.
He said once the project is completed, South Goa will have the best power supply. He said there is no alternative in South Goa especially if the HT line trips, there are no alternatives and the line cannot be charged unless the problem is solved as there no alternatives. Fernandes said in North Goa, there are four circuits while there is no such option in South Goa.
On the solar power subsidy, he said the government has not withdrawn it and the department will shortly announce new norms for better implementation of solar power in the state adding, “The announcement will be made shortly.” He said the department cannot differentiate between consumers as all consumers are important for the department adding that the proposal for hydro power is not viable due to the high cost though there is an ongoing study.
One of the speakers questioned the department’s rationale to frequently increase the power tariff while on the other hand the PWD has been offering 16 cubic meters of free water to the people and if the PWD can do it why can’t electricity department follow similar lines.
The speakers also demanded that the increase in tariff be immediately scrapped as there is no justification for the department to increase the tariff.