Question : LICENCE TO PRIVATE POWER DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES

(a) whether the Central Electricity Authority and the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission have framed various norms for issuing licenses to the private power distribution companies in order to safeguard the interests of the consumers under the Electricity Act, 2003;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the fine imposed for violation of these norms and the amount of such fines recovered from the companies along with the number of companies penalized for such violation during the last three years, State-wise?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER ( SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL )

(a) : The functions of Central Electricity Authority & Central Electricity Regulatory Commission as prescribed in Sections 73 & 79 of the Electricity Act, 2003 respectively, do not include granting licence to the private power distribution companies & framing norms thereof. Licences to power distribution companies are granted by State Electricity Regulatory Commissions under Section 86 (d) of the Act.

(b) & (c) : Do not arise.