Chief Electrical Engineer Goa Stephen Fernandes while addressing the Ujjwal Bharat-Ujjwal Bhavishya campaign in Canacona.
CANACONA
Calling upon electricity staff to achieve more to provide quality services to consumers, Chief Electrical Engineer Stephen Fernandes said Goa has come a long way in power supply from a meagre 5 MW in pre-liberation to 650 MW since 2020.
He was addressing the Ujjwal Bharat-Ujjwal Bhavishya campaign in Canacona in the presence of Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, Canacona Municipal Chairperson Simon Rebello, Canacona Dy Collector Ramesh Gaonkar and DNRE Director Aleixo Da Costa.
“Goa's Pre-liberation load was just 5 MW, with only one sub-station at Ponda and electricity supply to only 6 towns of Ponda, Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco, Margao and Curchorem. The load was increased to 14 MW (1970), 250MW (2000), 450 MW (2010) and 650 MW (2020), with 100 MW in the last few years,” said Fernandes.
“The first supply for Grid was achieved in 1967 with the 110 Supa transmission lines, which are, however, not used now, and the second line was set up in 1972. Presently, we have six lines drawn from other states and two are in progress. If you ask why we need this, it is because of demand for more load and progress, with a vision for the next 25-100 years. We are confident and we are going to achieve this too,” he added.
The chief electrical engineer said the present load being consumed by industrial and domestic users will be needed by electric vehicles in the next 15 years.
Turning his attention to his staff, Fernandes said a lot needs to be done to improve consumer services.
“We need to improve our service, Power to All. Good service means uninterrupted, quality, reliable and economic. We are lacking in our services. We show our achievements, but people tell us where we are found lacking and we are ashamed. There is a need to improve our services in all spheres,” said Fernandes.
“We need to provide services to the people. If we want Ujjwal Bharat-Ujjwal Bhavishya, let us work to make 'Ujjwal Goa-Ujjwal Bhavishya'.”
Stating that he is a Canconkar, Fernandes said he would start to improve services from Canacona itself.
“Charity should begin from home and we will try to improve our service in Canacona first,” he added.
