Maha Power Body To Amend Tariff Norms Draft As Per Sc Order, Legal News, ET LegalWorld – Legal Firms

Even as the Supreme Court this week directed all state electricity regulatory commissions to frame norms for determination of tariff for intra-state transmission systems, the process of framing regulations was started a month ago by Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), commission sources said.

MERC sources said that the public process has already begun and it will seek comments, suggestions and objections. “Now, with the apex court order, officials will have to recheck if the new proposed draft of the norms are in sync with the National Electricity Policy and National Tariff Policy and directives given by the SC,” a source said, adding that changes will have to be incorporated accordingly in the draft.

The norms, however, have to be finalised within three months under section 181 of the Electricity Act, 2003, on terms and conditions for determination of tariff. Sources said the norms will include terms and conditions—whether it is Tariff Based Competitive Bidding or any other condition—for grant of transmission.

The SC, in its ruling, said if regulations have already been framed, the commissions would effectuate appropriate amendments “to include provisions on the criteria for choosing the modalities to determine the tariff, in case they have not been already included”. The commissions shall ensure a balance to create a sustainable model of electricity regulation in states, it advised.