Bill to delicense power distribution firms in a limbo

The Bill to amend the Electricity Act, 2003 to delicense power distribution is in a limbo, with the central government going slow on the legislation ahead of the upcoming assembly elections even after withdrawing most of the proposals that states found contentious.

Sources in the government said the Bill is under consideration by the Prime Minister’s Office and is unlikely to be taken up by the Cabinet for discussion ahead of elections in states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh early next year.

Officials said based on the suggestions, comments and the representations received from states, associations and various stakeholders on the 2020 draft of the proposals,