For proper functioning of electricity grids in the country, the Union government is planning to give more powers to State electricity regulatory commissions and load dispatch centres. To facilitate this, the Centre plans to amend the laws concerned. A panel headed by Chairman of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) – the apex planning body for the power sector – is expected to soon submit its report to the Power Ministry in this regard.
Last year, following the massive grid failures that impacted more than half the country’s population, the Ministry initiated various steps to prevent similar incidents. Among others, it decided to review the powers of load dispatch centres and regulatory commissions in addressing non-compliance of statutory/regulatory provisions, according to a Power Ministry document.
The Ministry has established the panel for this purpose and it is to look into these issues. The report of the committee, constituted under the Chairperson of CEA, is to be submitted shortly to the Ministry of Power on amendments in the Electricity Act 2003 relating to grid matters, according to a Power Ministry document issued in late March.
After reviewing the scenario, the government would amend the Electricity Act, 2003. Meanwhile, a task force is studying the present grid conditions and anticipated scenarios. Set up in December, the task force – including experts from academics, power utilities and system operators – has held at least five meetings.
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