Panaji: The Goa Government has notified the implementation of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) Electricity Supply Code (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2024, establishing a regulatory framework for the rollout of smart pre-payment meters and introducing several reforms in electricity supply services.
The notification comes as the state continues implementing its smart metering programme and aims to modernize electricity distribution through digital monitoring, faster consumer services, and improved transparency.
Under the amended regulations, all new electricity connections will be provided with either:
- Smart pre-payment meters, or
- Pre-payment electricity meters.
The move is intended to support digital energy management while giving consumers greater visibility into their electricity consumption. The regulations also establish uniform procedures for meter installation and electricity supply services across the state. One of the key features of the new framework is remote meter reading.
According to the regulations:
- Smart meters will be read remotely every day.
- Consumers will be able to monitor:
- Daily electricity consumption.
- Available balance.
- Usage history.
The information will be accessible through:
- Official website.
- Mobile application.
- SMS services.
For non-smart pre-payment meters, meter readings will be carried out at least once every three months by authorized personnel. The amended JERC Supply Code also introduces several consumer-centric digital services.
These include:
- Online applications for new electricity connections.
- Digital tracking of application status.
- Defined timelines for processing electricity connections.
The objective is to simplify service delivery while improving transparency and accountability within the electricity distribution system. To improve service standards, the regulations prescribe penalties for delays by electricity distribution licensees.
If the utility fails to provide services within the prescribed timelines, it may be liable to pay compensation of up to: ₹500 per day for delays, as specified under the regulations.
The provision aims to encourage timely service delivery and improve consumer experience. The amended regulations also introduce changes related to electricity demand calculations.
These include:
- Removal of penalties for maximum demand recorded before the installation of smart meters.
- Automatic revision of a consumer’s sanctioned load based on actual electricity demand recorded by the smart meter.
The revised mechanism is expected to improve load management while reducing the need for manual intervention. Smart meters are digital electricity meters capable of automatically recording energy consumption and transmitting data remotely.
They offer several advantages, including:
- Real-time monitoring of electricity usage.
- Improved billing accuracy.
- Reduced manual meter reading.
- Better demand management.
- Faster fault detection.
- Enhanced operational efficiency for utilities.
Consumers can also make more informed decisions about their electricity consumption by tracking daily usage.
The implementation of the amended JERC regulations marks another step in Goa’s ongoing efforts to modernize its electricity distribution system.
By promoting digital services and introducing smart metering standards, the government aims to improve operational efficiency while offering consumers greater transparency and convenience. The framework also establishes clear service standards and accountability mechanisms for electricity distribution companies.
