India, Feb. 18 -- MLA Venzy Viegas has strongly criticised the recent tariff order issued by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), stating that the increase in electricity bills, tariffs and penalties has caused severe hardship to the common people.

Viegas said the revised tariff structure will further burden households and small consumers who are already grappling with rising expenses. He described the hike as anti-people and unjust, and called upon the authorities to reconsider the decision in the larger public interest.

The MLA has appealed to all panchayats in South Goa to unite and oppose both the installation of smart meters and the tariff hike. He also demanded that the one-time penalty imposed on consumers be withd...