ISSN (Print) - 0012-9976 | ISSN (Online) - 2349-8846

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Electricity Bill, 2001: Need for a Fresh Look

The Electricity Bill 2001 claims that it has taken account of the current realities of the power sector in India. Unfortunately, there is little reflection of this in the bill. In fact, in its present form, it will be another futile legislative exercise to show progress where there is none and, like many other laws in the country, is likely to largely remain as a showpiece on paper. In the circumstances, the government will do well to withdraw the bill for further examination and consultations.

Electricity Bill 2001

The Electricity Bill 2001 is a step forward in removing the anomalies, inconsistencies and even contradictions in and between existing laws pertaining to the power sector. But it fails to impose deterrent punishments for failures on matters ranging from theft and quality to payment of bills by distributing companies. It has provisions which will violate the transparent functioning of regulatory commissions. While the bill will enable the creation of markets, facilitate the process of private investment in transmission, improve grid discipline and ease somewhat the working of the regulatory commissions, success in improving the supply and quality of electricity and the financial performance of the power sector will depend, in the ultimate analysis, on the speed with which the state electricity boards can be made financially viable. On this the bill has no contribution to make.

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