New Delhi, Nov 17: With a view to increase efficiency and competition in the power sector, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission today allowed open access in transmission system to power generating and distributing companies with immediate effect. "All transmission service providers in the country including Powergrid Corporation (PGCIL) shall provide non-discriminatory open access for inter-state transmission to any distribution company, trader, generating company, captive plant or any permitted consumer," CERC said in a statement. The move would create options for distribution companies and bulk customers for buying power, the regulator said adding this would facilitate competition in the power generation industry. The commission has also ordered that the open access customers shall have an option like the existing beneficiaries to enter into long-term bulk power transmission agreement for use of inter-state transmission system and in such a case the transmission service charge would be determined according to the tariff norms notified by it.

The new electricity act, 2003 had mandated open access in transmission from the date of its enactment.


As per the CERC order, the nodal agency for long-term access shall be the Central Transmission Utility (CTU), which is PGCIL at present.
Bureau Report