Porvorim: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday assured legislators that the installation of smart meters for domestic consumers has been put on hold, following repeated protests by opposition MLAs during Question Hour. Sawant said he would issue a circular officially stating that the rollout was on hold.The assurance came after opposition MLAs rushed to the well of the House three times during a heated discussion over rising electricity bills and the proposed installation of smart meters.Sawant intervened during an argument between the opposition and power minister Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar, who attributed the increase in electricity bills to rising temperatures and greater use of air-conditioners due to climate change.Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, leader of opposition Yuri Alemao and Benaulim MLA Venzy Veigas sought relief in power tariffs, saying the sudden rise in bills was placing a financial burden on consumers.Sawant said govt would consider reducing tariffs if the legislators could identify another state with lower rates. “For use of 100 units, the rate is Rs 2.1, up to 300 units it is Rs 3.1, and below 500 units it is Rs 4.1. If there is a lower rate in any other state, then I will implement it. I am ready to accept. I think we have the lowest rate for any state,” Sawant said.He also assured the House that bills issued incorrectly or with excessive charges would be corrected.Sardesai also demanded that consumers be given the choice between prepaid smart meters and conventional digital meters.Dhavalikar said the installation of smart meters was mandated under central govt norms, and Goa could not permanently refuse to install them.“Nowhere the cost has not increased above 5%. Only one slab has increased by 15%. If you’ll allow, in every home, we will fit one smart meter and one digital meter and we will take the reading for five months and then see if smart meter is giving correct reading or not,” Dhavalikar said.
