Power Cut in Goa

Goa’s economy depends a lot on tourism. This sector is a major employer as well, so the hotels, villa owners, restaurants, nightclubs, everyone want to make sure that the tourists enjoy their stay in Goa. Most tourists who visit Goa are happy with their experience and many will return. But the state’s power crisis is sometimes a dampener. Goa sometimes faces a major power problem. There are frequent power cuts. Luckily, they usually happen in the rural areas, far from the beaches. The resorts, hotels, and villas in Goa have their generators and power backups to manage the situation.

A power cut is a period of time when the electricity supply to a particular building or area is stopped, sometimes deliberately.

Usually, the power cut is only for a couple of minutes because the electricity department is always alert and they restore the supply quickly. But if there is a major fault, then you may be left without electricity for half a day, and in some instances, even for 2-3 days. Luckily, this is extremely rare. There are also planned power cuts for maintenance work. This is done during the daytime because the tourists will be away at the beach or visiting the churches, forts, and other places of interest. A power cut during the night or evening causes the most problem. There will be no fan and air conditioning. You won’t be able to charge your mobile phone.

It is worst in the monsoon because of high winds and occasional thunderstorms. If the palm leaves or trees hit the lines, then it takes a long time to repair, so you may be left without power even for the entire day. There have even been instances when there was no electricity for a couple of days.

What Is The Problem?

A shopkeeper during a power-cut in Goa

Goa faces a huge demand-supply gap. Goa has the international airport, sea port, oil refineries, pharmaceutical businesses, iron ore plants, chemical factories that need a lot of power. There is power requirement in the agricultural sector too. And, of course, the hotels, villas, restaurants, cafes, shops, nightclubs, require electricity as well.

Goa does not make its own electricity and must depend on the neighboring states and the National Grid for regular supply. But there is never enough electricity because India always faces a negative demand-supply situation. India is also facing a huge coal shortage, which makes the situation worse.

Goa has plans of producing its own electricity and is trying to acquire a coal block so it can mine. However, there is no space to set up a coal plant. India is also facing a coal shortage, so adequate coal supply is not guaranteed. Running and maintaining a coal plant will also cost a lot of money. Power tariffs in the state were increased, but there were protests. Goa’s Chief Minister recently announced the decision of purchasing 120 MW of power. Goa is also planning to generate 150 MW of power by installing solar panels.

Worst Months for Power Cuts in Goa

The summer months (April and May) often see the most power cuts because of the higher demand for electricity in this time. 70 percent of India’s power comes from the hydropower plants. In the summer, there is reduced water supply from the hills, which means, the hydropower plants can work at reduced capacity, thus producing less electricity. So, a higher demand and lower supply mean that the power crisis gets more intense in the summer. Voltage fluctuations because of a sudden demand spurt can also cause a power cut.

Luckily, the summer is the low season for tourism in Goa, which means very few tourists are affected.

There are power cuts even during the rainy season (the middle of June to August). Often, this happens due to trees falling on the power lines and disrupting the supply. The winter, which is the peak season, sees the least instances of power cuts. This means, most tourists visiting Goa are not affected.

What To Do

• Stay at a villa where there is power back up. Check before making the booking.
• Most good hotels, resorts, villas, and luxury apartments have generators that can keep you covered for a few hours. But this will not help if there is no power for the entire day. However, such instances are rare in Goa.
• Have a few candles with you in case you need them. You will find them at the local shops and super markets.
• Keep your mobile charged so you won’t be in trouble if the power goes.
• Conserve power whenever you can. Switch off the air conditioning, fan, and light if you are not using them.
• Remember, Goa’s power comes from coal, fossil fuel, which has a limited supply worldwide. One day, the world will be left without any fuel.

Sources: [1] [2]