Government nod for amendments to Electricity Act

NEW DELHI: To usher in major reforms in power sector, the government today approved various amendments to the Electricity Act, 2003, which among others would help consumers select a power supply company of their choice.

The amendments, as per the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2014, will usher in much needed further reforms in the power sector, an official statement said after the Cabinet meeting .

"The amendments will also promote competition, efficiency in operations and improvement in quality of supply of electricity in the country resulting in capacity addition and ultimate benefit to the consumers," it added.

Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal recently said, "What we are looking at is allowing competition at last mile delivery so that consumers have a choice of supplier of electricity... it will also help states serve the people better."

Goyal had also said wherever there are existing power purchase agreements, the interests of stakeholders will be protected, which will be done in consultation with the power regulator.

The Minister said the government will allow competition at the last mile or to the end-consumer without raising tariff or compromising on better customer service.