Under the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2022, the government intends to bring in the principle of open access — which will allow consumers the right to choose their electricity provider, regardless of who controls the physical infrastructure in their locality or state. This would be similar to the way in which they can select their mobile and internet service providers. How will it do that? The Bill, which proposes significant changes in the power distribution sector, will allow multiple distribution licensees to function in an area. Having been cleared by the Union Cabinet, the Bill proposes to amend Sections 42 and 14 of the Electricity Act. Thus, it will enable competition in retail power distribution
