Amendments to the Indian Electricity Act 2003

October 19, 2020Infrastructure
The Central Government has proposed major amendments to the 2003 Electricity Act in 2014 and 2018, but neither of these proposed amendments converted into notified amendments. Recently, with the objective to promote ease of doing business, ensure consumer centricity, promote green power and enhance the sustainability of the power sector in India, the Ministry of Power has again issued the proposed amendment to the 2003 Electricity Act through the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
 
To achieve the objectives, the Ministry of Power has proposed various amendments with the focus on enhancing bankability of the projects, promoting renewable energy including hydroenergy and improving the legal and regulatory framework. Even though the Ministry of Power is of the view that the proposed amendments will assist and improve the functioning of the power sector, some are of the view that the proposed amendments are misleading and provide the Central Government more power to determine tariff and regulations in the power sector, which further reduces the transparency and interest of the consumers.