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Forum of Regulators

Legal Provisions/Mandate

The Forum of Regulators (FOR) was constituted vide Notification dated 16th February, 2005 in pursuance of the provision under section 166(2) of the Electricity Act, 2003 and vide notification dated 08.09.2022 FOR has been assigned some additional functions. The Forum consists of Chairperson of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and Chairpersons of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). The Chairperson of CERC is the Chairperson of the Forum.

Constitution of the Forum

  • The Forum shall consist of the Chairperson of the Central Commission and Chairpersons of the State Commissions. The Chairperson of the Central Commission shall be the Chairperson of the Forum of Regulators.
  • The Secretary to the Central Commission shall be the ex-officio Secretary to the Forum.
  • Secretarial assistance to the Forum shall be provided by the Central Commission.
  • The headquarter of the Forum will be located at New Delhi.

Functions of the Forum

  • Data collection and analysis -
    • Analysis of the tariff orders and other orders of the Central Commission and State Commissions, highlighting, the departures from the provisions of the Act and the tariff policy, if any, whether the tariff orders and true up have been done timely, and whether the tariff reflects all prudent costs, and whether the subsidy payable has been appropriately accounted for and paid according to section 65 of the Act;
  • Subsidy accounting -
    • Preparation of the Quarterly Statements, for each distribution licensee in the country, pointing out whether demands for subsidy are raised by distribution companies every quarter based on accurate accounts of the energy consumed by the subsidised category and the per unit subsidy payable, and whether the said subsidy is paid under section 65 of the Act, gap in subsidy due and paid as well as other relevant details.
    • Computation of subsidy due shall be in accordance with Standard Operating Procedure issued by Ministry of Power from time to time and this statement shall be submitted by the Forum to the Central Government and the concerned State Commission within thirty days from the end date of each quarter.
  • Monitoring of renewable purchase compliance -
    • The compliance of targets, by each of the distribution licensees, captive consumption and consumers procuring power through open access, for purchase of electricity from renewable sources as determined by the Central Government or by State Commission, whichever is higher, in accordance with the provisions of the Act and rules, regulations, guidelines made thereunder.
    • An annual report comprising data and analysis thereof for compliance of the targets for purchase from renewables shall be submitted to the Central Government by 31st May of next financial year.
  • Harmonization of regulation in power sector;
  • Laying of standards of performance of licensees as required under the Act.
  • Sharing of information among the members of the Forum on various issues of common interest and also of common approach.
  • Undertaking research work in-house or through outsourcing on issues relevant to power sector regulation;
  • Evolving measures for protection of interest of consumers and promotion of efficiency, economy and competition in power sector; and
  • Such other functions as the Central Government may assign to it, from time to time.

Finances of the Forum

  • The Central Commission may take necessary financial contributions from the State. Commissions for carrying out the activities of the Forum.
  • The Central Commission will keep separate accounts for the activities of the Forum.

Meetings of the Forum

  • The Forum shall meet at least twice in a year.
  • The Forum will frame its own rules of business for the conduct of its meetings.

Annual Report

  • The Forum shall meet at least twice in a year.
  • The Forum of Regulators shall prepare every year, an annual report, giving a summary of its activities during the previous financial year and copies of the report shall be forwarded to the Central Government.