Ramesh Babu V. Sworn in as Member of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

Shri Ramesh Babu V. has been sworn in as a Member of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) on May 21, 2024. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh.

Shri Ramesh Babu V. brings extensive experience and expertise to his new role. He holds a Master of Technology degree in Thermal Engineering and a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering. Before his retirement, he served as Director (Operations) at NTPC from May 2020, and he has held various key positions within NTPC throughout his career.

The CERC, established by the Government of India under the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998, operates under the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003. This Act replaced the earlier ERC Act, 1998. The Commission comprises a Chairperson, three other Members, and the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority as an ex-officio Member.

The CERC’s primary responsibilities under the Electricity Act, 2003, include regulating tariffs for generating companies owned or controlled by the Central Government, and those with composite schemes for generation and sale of electricity across multiple states. The Commission also oversees the inter-state transmission of electricity and determines the tariffs for such transmissions. Additionally, CERC issues licenses for inter-state transmission and trading, adjudicates disputes, and advises the Central Government on the formulation of National Electricity Policy and Tariff Policy. Furthermore, CERC is tasked with promoting competition, efficiency, and economic activities within the electricity industry, as well as encouraging investment in the sector.

Shri Ramesh Babu V.’s appointment is expected to bolster the CERC’s efforts in regulating and promoting a more efficient and competitive electricity market in India.