New Delhi: At a review meeting, Minister for Power Manohar Lal Khattar has urged Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to consider setting up a nuclear power facility in the state to meet its own energy demands. Goa procures 80 percent of its energy requirement from outside the state. The minister also asked the state to integrate more Renewable Energy (RE) into the grid to bring down the utility losses. The review meeting was held in Panaji on Monday, said the Ministry of Power. The meeting focused on the power sector developments, loss reduction initiatives, and the progress under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
Commending the government of Goa and the electricity department for their effective efforts in ensuring power availability and achieving universal electrification, Khattar stated, “Goa has shown exemplary performance in reducing AT&C losses to 9.32 percent, 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 appreciated the state’s significant progress in implementing infrastructure works under RDSS aimed at reducing losses. However, he emphasised the need to accelerate the pace of smart metering, which has the potential to revolutionise consumer engagement with DISCOMs through data analytics and AI/ML tools.
“Now that the contracts have been awarded, I am confident that the implementation will gain momentum. Prioritising saturation of smart meters in Government offices, colonies, commercial and industrial units, and high-load consumers will help ensure digitisation and improved service delivery,” Khattar 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. The minister also commended 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 percent 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,” said the Power Ministry. The meeting concluded with the assurance that the Ministry of Power would extend full support to the State in achieving its energy goals, the ministry added.
