Kerala to implement Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2022 “with modifications”

The Kerala government is planning to adopt the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2022, which were introduced by the union government. However, the state government has stated that it will be making some modifications to the rules before implementing them. The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission has already made the necessary changes, and a draft of the modified rules has been prepared.

Kerala had raised concerns since the union government announced its decision to amend the Electricity Rules of 2005. However, a draft of the amended rules has now been released, and the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2022, have been notified.

Kerala is concerned whether the new set of rules will cause rampant hikes in electricity tariffs, just like the prices of auto-fuels in the country. As per the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2022, distributors (DISCOMs) can hike the tariff without prior approval of the regulatory commission.

Meanwhile, as per amendments made by the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission distributors (DISCOMs) can only hike the tariff up to 20 paise without prior approval of the regulatory commission.