About Bihar electricity regulatory commmission
Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission: Empowering the State with Reliable and Affordable Power
Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) is an independent regulatory body established under the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003. The commission is responsible for regulating the power sector in Bihar and ensuring that electricity consumers in the state receive reliable, affordable, and quality power supply.
The commission was constituted on March 31, 2005, with its headquarters located in Patna. BERC has been playing a crucial role in shaping Bihar's power sector by promoting competition, encouraging investment, protecting consumer interests, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
BERC's primary functions include determining tariffs for generation, transmission and distribution of electricity; issuing licenses to generate or distribute electricity; promoting competition among market players; monitoring performance standards of licensees; resolving disputes between stakeholders; and enforcing compliance with regulations.
One of BERC's key objectives is to ensure that consumers have access to reliable and affordable power supply. To achieve this goal, BERC has implemented various measures such as tariff rationalization based on cost-reflective principles; promotion of renewable energy sources like solar power through incentives and subsidies; encouragement of energy conservation through demand-side management programs; implementation of smart grid technologies for efficient distribution network management.
Another important function performed by BERC is to promote competition among market players. The commission has issued licenses to several private companies for setting up thermal power plants in Bihar. This has not only increased the state's installed capacity but also created employment opportunities for local people.
BERC also plays a vital role in protecting consumer interests by ensuring that they are not exploited by service providers. The commission regularly conducts public hearings where consumers can voice their grievances against service providers like discoms or generating companies. It also monitors performance standards set by it so that licensees comply with them.
In addition to these functions, BERC also promotes transparency in its operations by publishing all relevant information on its website. This includes details of tariff orders, licensing procedures, performance standards, and other regulatory matters.
Overall, Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission has been instrumental in shaping the power sector in Bihar by promoting competition, encouraging investment, protecting consumer interests and ensuring compliance with regulations. Its efforts have resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of power supply to consumers across the state.