Panaji, July 22: St. André MLA and Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) leader Viresh Borkar on Wednesday led a delegation of residents to the Electricity Department at Vidyut Bhavan, Panaji, demanding immediate action over what he described as the steep increase in electricity bills affecting consumers across his constituency.

During the meeting, the delegation submitted a memorandum highlighting the financial burden imposed by inflated power bills on households, senior citizens, farmers, fishermen, small business owners and middle-class families. Borkar urged the department to conduct an inquiry into the abnormal billing, verify meter readings, rectify erroneous bills and establish a transparent, time-bound grievance redressal mechanism.

The MLA also sought a reduction in the per-unit electricity tariff, stating that the rising cost of power has become unaffordable for many families in Goa.

In addition, Borkar called upon the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) to hold a public hearing on the recent electricity tariff hike, allowing consumers, elected representatives, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to present their concerns. He maintained that any revision in electricity tariffs should be transparent, consultative and in the larger public interest.

Speaking after the meeting, Borkar said electricity is an essential service and not a luxury. He asserted that consumers deserve fair tariffs, transparent billing and an opportunity to be heard before any additional financial burden is imposed on them.

Reaffirming his commitment to consumer welfare, Borkar assured the people of St. André that he would continue pursuing the issue until affected consumers receive meaningful relief.