(a) whether the Government is planning to amend the present Electricity Act, 2003 with a view to make it more transparent and effective;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has taken the views of the State Governments in this regard;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the time by which this new Electricity Bill is likely to come into force?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER
AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY
( SHRI R. K. SINGH )
(a) to (e) : The Central Government is planning to bring amendments to the present Electricity Act 2003 with a view to make it more transparent and effective. In this regard Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2014 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 19.12.2014. The Bill was subsequently referred to the Standing Committee on Energy for examination. The Standing Committee has submitted its report on 7.5.2015. Based on the observations/recommendations of the Standing Committee on Energy and further consultation/deliberations with State Governments and other stakeholders, some more amendments have been proposed. Accordingly, a revised draft for amendment in Electricity Act, 2003 was circulated on 7th September, 2018 for seeking comments of various stakeholders including that of State Governments. The last date for submitting comments of Stakeholders including State Governments was 5th November, 2018. Further a detailed discussion was held on 3rd November 2018 by Ministry of Power with State Governments to discuss the proposed amendments to Electricity Act, 2003.
We have received comments of more than one hundred Stakeholders, which are under examination. After examination of stakeholder views, the amendments in Electricity Act 2003 will be finalised and official Amendments to Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2014 shall be tabled in Parliament.
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