Events

On August 08, 2022, the power minister tabled the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 in the Lok Sabha to further amend the Electricity Act 2003, which has been referred to the parliamentary standing committee on energy for discussion. The Bill is the fourth attempt to update the electricity laws. Proposed provisions in the Bill are directed to achieve multiple longstanding reform objectives. Key proposals include: multiple licensees and private participation in the distribution business to ensure retail competition and consumer choice; recovery of prudent distribution costs through tariff; rationalisation and better management of cross subsidies for financially viable distribution business; empowerment of load despatch centres to enforce payment discipline; gives overriding powers to the national load despatch center for scheduling and despatch across states; and several changes in the regulatory structure and processes to improve regulatory governance and practice.

These proposals imply substantial shifts in electricity governance. But, are these reform measures adequate and appropriate to address India’s electricity challenges? Are these prescriptions based on proper diagnosis of current trends and realities? How will these reform proposals affect the ongoing transition to 21st century electricity?

This event will bring together energy sector practitioners, experts and civil society representatives to discuss possible implications of the proposed changes. We will start with an expert panel discussion and aim to facilitate a moderated open house discussion.