Centre softens stance on Electricity Act amendments
After several states protested against the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act, alleging that the new provisions dilute their authority to appoint electricity regulators, the Centre is now considering continuing with the existing framework of separate selection committees for each state. Several states, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, have written to the Centre about their grievances against the proposed amendments. As per existing provisions, separate selection committees need to be constituted every time there is a vacancy in state electricity regulatory commissions (SERC), disrupting their ability to perform. The amendment proposes formation of a national committee which would consist of two members from the central government and one representative each from two states. 'However, based on the suggestions received, the Centre is now considering to continue with the existing separate selection committees for each ...