Delay in Power Tariff Announcement in Delhi as DERC Awaits New Members

For the fourth consecutive year, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) is expected to miss announcing a new power tariff for the city. This delay is attributed to the two new members of the panel not yet taking charge, according to sources on Monday. The Delhi government and the LG Office have been blaming each other for this delay.

The DERC typically announces a new tariff after a thorough consultation process. This process involves hearings with stakeholders, including consumers and power companies, and takes several months. In November last year, the Supreme Court formed a committee to select two members for the three-member DERC panel.

Selection of New Members

In March this year, the committee recommended Ram Naresh Singh and Surender Babbar as protem members of the DERC. The power department then sent their files for approval to both the Lt Governor and the Chief Minister. However, in April, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) stated that due to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal being under judicial custody, they could not seek his instructions and returned the file for the oath of office by the newly selected members.

After receiving approval from Delhi LG, the two protem members were appointed in August. However, they have yet to take their oath of office as required by the Electricity Act 2003 and DERC salary allowances and other conditions of service of the chairman and members Rules 2001.

Pending Oath Ceremony

The file for the oath of office was sent to Delhi's power minister on August 8 but remains pending. Sources claimed that although the file arrived last week, there are some irregularities being examined by the power minister. "Once all issues are clarified, due action will be taken in the matter," they said.

A senior official from the power department mentioned that this delay in new members taking charge due to lack of clarity over their oath is hindering DERC's functioning. This includes announcing a new annual power tariff.

Power tariffs in Delhi have not been issued since 2021-22. The Union Power Ministry has expressed concern over this issue. "The delay in new members taking charge due to lack of clarity over oath was hindering functioning of the DERC, including announcement of new annual power tariff," said a senior power department official.

The situation remains unresolved as both sides continue to examine and address irregularities before proceeding with necessary actions. The ongoing delays have significant implications for stakeholders awaiting new tariff announcements.

As this situation unfolds, it highlights ongoing administrative challenges within regulatory bodies and their impact on essential services like electricity tariffs.