The Draft National Electricity Policy 2021 is in the making; the power ministry has constituted an expert panel to this effect, it is learnt through reliable media reports.
This expert panel will be headed by Girish Pradan, former Chairman, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), while Joint Secretary, Union power ministry, will be the convenor. A prominent member of this panel is Rakesh Nath, former Chairman, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and ex-member, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL).
Other members will include Chairman, CEA, representatives of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) and NITI Aayog, There will also be representatives of the states of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Gujarat.
There will also be representation from Central PSUs like NTPC, NHPC, Posoco, Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). Besides, invitees from various industry associations and chambers may also be invited for meetings, it is learnt.
As per the Electricity Act, 2003, the Central government is expected to periodically review and revise the extant National Electricity Policy (NEP) and the National Tariff Policy (NTP).
The government had notified the National Electricity Policy in February 2005. The Working Group on Power for the XII Plan had made recommendation for amendment in National Electricity Policy, in addition to Electricity Act 2003 and Tariff Policy.
