Panel To Review Power Sector Regulatory Mechanism

The Union power ministry has appointed the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) to review the existing mechanism in the country's power sector and suggest an alternative regulatory mechanism to meet the changing scenario.

ASCI in turn has formed a committee to conduct the study. This committee is currently sending a 10-point questionnaire to all the power utilities in the country.

The utilities have been asked to send a consolidated note to the committee covering their views on the questions raised, which include whether a restructuring of the power sector is unavoidable. In case the utilities feel restructuring cannot be avoided, then they have to offer their suggestions on a model for restructuring the power sector, specially the state electricity boards; the legal changes that need to be effected; how the process should be implemented without causing undue disturbance in the power sector; and whether restructuring can be minimised and still achieve objectives