Task Force On Pwer Reforms

The government has constituted a task force on power sector investments and reforms, with the mandate to catalyse fresh investments into the sector and oversee implementation of the ongoing reforms measures initiated by the government as well as the provisions of Electricity Act 2003.

The five-member task force, formed under the chairmanship of Planning Commission member N K Singh, would also advise the government on its tariff policy, a draft of which has already been circulated, and also evolve a National Electricity Policy.

This could be significant since the power ministry's draft tariff policy has run into rough weather with the power regulatory establishments at both the Centre and states.

 

The panel's other terms of references include analysing the existing investment climate in the power sector and suggesting measures for promoting and facilitating private investments, ensure an enabling fiscal regime for securing such investments and suggesting ways to ensure speedier implementation of central schemes like the Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (APDRP) and the Accelerated generation and Supply Programme (AG&SP).

The task force would also suggest roadmaps for effective functioning of State Electricity Utilities, including a reduction in the cost of delivered power. The panel would submit its recommendations on the Tariff Policy and National Electricity Policy by October 31 while it would submit reports on other issues by December 31.

The panel, having power secretary R V Shahi, economic advisor to prime ministers, S Narayan, revenue secretary Vineeta Rai and chairman Central Electricity Authority H L Bajaj on board, can co-opt other experts and organisations.