Centre for strong
power sector regulator

New Delhi: Union Power Minister M Veerappa Moily on Tuesday said the Central government is in favour of a strong and enlightened regulator for the power sector, indicating that the government may provide state regulators greater autonomy in tackling issues that are hampering growth. “If you want 10 per cent growth, you need 9 per cent growth in the power sector and that is why we need a strong and enlightened regulator. This is the kind of message we would like to give to the regulators,” Moily said on the sidelines of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) event.

The Power Ministry is taking a meeting of the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) on Wednesday to discuss the proposed amendment to the Electricity Act. “Main agenda will be the proposed amendment to the Electricity Act 2003. It needs to be amended in view of the present and emerging situations and needs in the electricity sector,” Moily said, adding that a task force has already been appointed which is looking into the matter.

There is need for appropriate concrete parameters for fixing tariff and that needs to be discussed with them. Attorney General of India Goolam Vahanvati is believed to have said that the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) can revise the electricity tariffs of the power projects by making certain changes in the power purchase agreements (PPAs).DP