## Report on the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and Ombudsman First Amendment Regulations, 2022
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and Ombudsman First Amendment Regulations, 2022, based on the official gazette notification. This amendment modifies the original Regulations of 2018. The key changes relate to the composition of the Forum, qualifications for Chairperson and Members, term lengths, quorum requirements, and introduces a power of relaxation for the Commission. The report aims to inform stakeholders in the electricity sector about these modifications and their potential impact on grievance redressal mechanisms.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an overview and analysis of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and Ombudsman First Amendment Regulations, 2022, as published in the official Delhi Gazette. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. The purpose of the report is to inform stakeholders about the key changes introduced by this amendment.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* This document is an *amendment* to the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and Ombudsman Regulations, 2018.
* **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective appears to be the refinement of the structure and operation of the consumer grievance redressal forum. This includes specifying qualifications for members, adjusting terms, and providing a mechanism for relaxation of regulations, all seemingly aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the forum.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
The amendment likely seeks to address perceived shortcomings or areas for improvement within the original 2018 regulations. The provided text suggests a need for greater clarity regarding the qualifications and experience required for Forum members and the Chairperson, specifically introducing requirements for legal and technical expertise. The amendment also introduces a mechanism for relaxation of the regulations, suggesting a need for flexibility in unforeseen circumstances.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This section details the specific changes introduced by the amendment:
* **Regulation 5 (Composition of the Forum):** Sub-regulation 3 is amended to specify that the Forum will consist of *five* members, including the Chairperson. The previous regulation is not provided, so we can only infer that the size or composition was different before this change.
* **Effect:** Establishes a fixed number of five members for the Forum, potentially to ensure a diverse range of expertise and perspectives.
* **Regulation 6 (Qualifications for Appointments):** This regulation is substantially revised to detail qualifications for the Chairperson and Members:
* **New Rule:** Requires 20 years of experience in relevant fields (engineering, finance, commerce, economics, law, management, administration, or consumer affairs) and a graduate degree. It also specifies positions for a Legal Member and a Technical Member. A District Judge may also be appointed as chairperson. The age of the applicant should allow them to serve at least one three-year term. Persons previously employed by Distribution Licensees within the last two years (with an exception for Forum membership) are ineligible. Individuals disqualified under Regulation 10 or who have reached the age of 67 are also ineligible.
* **Effect:** Introduces specific requirements for relevant experience and qualifications for the Chairperson and Members, potentially enhancing the expertise and credibility of the Forum. Specifies a maximum age limit of 67. Aims to prevent conflict of interest.
* **Regulation 9 (Term of Office):** Sub-regulation 1 is amended concerning the term length:
* **New Rule:** The Chairperson or Member holds office for a term of three years. They are eligible for reappointment for a second term of up to three years, and the age limit under Regulation 6 does not apply to reappointment. No member shall hold office after attaining the age of sixty-seven (67) years.
* **Effect:** Clarifies the term length and eligibility for reappointment.
* **Regulation 15 (Quorum):** Sub-regulation 11 is amended concerning the quorum requirements:
* **New Rule:** The quorum of the Forum shall be three. Each member has one vote. In case of a tie, the Chairperson or senior member presiding has a casting vote.
* **Effect:** Ensures that decisions are made with sufficient representation and provides a mechanism for resolving tie votes.
* **Regulation 39 (Power of Relaxation):** This regulation is *inserted* to grant the Commission the power to relax any provision of these regulations in the public interest, with written justification.
* **Effect:** Introduces flexibility to address unforeseen circumstances and potential unintended consequences of the regulations.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience and stakeholders affected by these changes include:
* Consumers of electricity in Delhi.
* The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).
* Existing and prospective members of the Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and Ombudsman.
* Distribution Licensees in Delhi.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) is responsible for implementing and overseeing these regulations.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The regulations come into effect from the date of their publication in the official Gazette (February 24, 2022). Procedures for appointment and reappointment would need to adhere to the new qualification and term length requirements.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of these specific changes include:
* **Enhanced Expertise:** The stricter qualification requirements for Forum members and the Chairperson, specifically with the inclusion of a Legal and Technical Member, should lead to a more informed and capable grievance redressal process.
* **Improved Governance:** The clarification of term lengths and quorum requirements should improve the governance and operational efficiency of the Forum.
* **Increased Flexibility:** The "Power of Relaxation" granted to the Commission should allow for a more adaptable and responsive regulatory framework.
* **Fairer Representation:** The specification of a five-member forum with expertise and voting guidelines might provide consumers a fairer avenue for resolutions.
**9. Conclusion:**
The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and Ombudsman First Amendment Regulations, 2022, introduces significant changes to the structure, composition, and operation of the consumer grievance redressal forum. By clarifying qualification requirements, term lengths, and quorum rules, and by providing the Commission with the power of relaxation, this amendment aims to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and adaptability of the grievance redressal mechanism within the Delhi electricity sector. The success of these changes will depend on their effective implementation by the DERC and the adherence of all stakeholders to the revised regulations.
Key Entities Referenced
Delhi: City in India, place of publication of the Gazette and location of Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission
Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission: Regulatory body that issued the notification
Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and Ombudsman First Amendment Regulations, 2022: Title of the regulations being amended.
Electricity Act 2003: The act that confers power on the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission
Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and Ombudsman Regulations, 2018: Principal Regulations being amended.
District Judge: A legal professional who can be appointed as Chairperson
Legal Member: One of the members of the forum that must have a law degree and experience in handling legal matters
Technical Member: One of the members of the forum that must have a ElectricalElectronic engineering degree and experience
Mukesh Wadhwa: Secretary
Mayapuri, New Delhi: Location of the Government of India Press.
Ring Road: Road near Mayapuri, New Delhi
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33002/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33002/99
भारत स रकार
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
एस.जी.-डी.एलx.x-xअG.I-D2H5x0x2x 2022-233733
SG-DL-xEx-x2G5I0D2E2x0xx2 2-233733
असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 1] दिल्ली, बृहस्ट्प जतिार, फरिरी 24, 2022/फाल्गनु 5, 1943 [रा.रा.रा.क्ष.ेदि. स.ं 472
No. 1] DELHI, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022/PHALGUNA 5, 1943 [N. C. T. D. No.472
भाग III
PART III
राष्ट्रीय रािधानी राज्य क्षत्रे दिल्ली सरकार
GOVERNMENT OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL TERRITORY OF DELHI
दिल्ली जिद्यतु जिजनयामक आयोग
अजधसचू ना
दिल्ली, 22 फरिरी, 2022
दिल्ली जिद्यतु जिजनयामक आयोग (उपभोक्ता की जिकायत के जनिारण के जलए
मचं और ओम्बड्ु समनै ) (प्रथम सिं ोधन) जिजनयम 2022
स.ं एफ. 11(1938)/डीईआरसी/2021-22/7263/1878.—दिल्ली जिद्युत जिजनयामक आयोग, उप-धारा के साथ
पठित धारा 181 की उप-धारा (2) (आर) द्वारा प्रित्त िजक्तयों का प्रयोग करत े हुए (5) जिद्युत अजधजनयम 2003 की धारा
42, और इस संबंध म ें इसे सक्षम करन े िाली अन्य सभी िजक्तयों, और जपछल े प्रकािन के बाि, "दिल्ली जिद्युत् जिजनयामक
आयोग (उपभोक्ताओं की जिकायतों के जनिारण के जलए मंच और ओम्बुड्समैन) जिजनयम, 2018", का संिोधन करन े के
जलए जनम्नजलजित जिजनयमों का गिन करता ह ै(िो इसके बाि मूल जिजनयम कह ेिाएंगे):
1.0 लघ ुिीर्कष और प्रारंभ:
(1) इन जिजनयमों को दिल्ली जिद्युत जिजनयामक आयोग (उपभोक्ता की जिकायत के जनिारण के जलए मंच और
ओम्बुड्समैन) (प्रथम सिं ोधन) जिजनयम 2022 कहा िाएगा ।
1302 DG/2022 (1)2 DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY PART III]
(2) ये जिजनयम सरकारी रािपत्र म ेंउनके प्रकािन की तारीि से प्रभािी होंगे।
2.0 मलू जिजनयम के जिजनयम 5 का सिं ोधन:
मूल जिजनयम के जिजनयम 5 म,ें उप-जिजनयम (3) जनम्नानुसार प्रजतस्ट्थाजपत होंग:े -
"
(3) मंच में अध्यक्ष सजहत पांच सिस्ट्य होंगे।"
3.0 मलू जिजनयम के जिजनयम 6 का सिं ोधन:
मूल जिजनयम के जिजनयम 6 म,ें जनम्नजलजित प्रजतस्ट्थाजपत होंग:े -
"
6. मचं के अध्यक्ष और सिस्ट्यों की जनयजु क्त के जलए अहतष ाए ं
(1) अध्यक्ष और सिस्ट्य योग्यता, सत्यजनष्ठा और प्रजतष्ठा िाला ऐसा व्यजक्त होगा जिस के पास इंिीजनयररंग, जित्त,
िाजणज्य, अथिष ास्त्र, कानून, प्रबंधन, प्रिासन या उपभोक्ता से संबंजधत समस्ट्याओं के मामलो से जनपटने का कम
से कम 20 िर्ों का अनुभि हो तथा दकसी मान्यता प्राप्त जिश्वजिद्यालय से स्नातक जडग्री धारी हो ।
परन्त ुचार सिस्ट्यों (अध्यक्ष सजहत) म ेंसे एक सिस्ट्य को काननूी सिस्ट्य के रूप में नाजमत दकया िाएगा और एक
सिस्ट्य तकनीकी होगा।
(2) तथाजप उप-जिजनयम (1) म,ें आयोग दकसी भी व्यजक्त को अध्यक्ष के रूप में जनयक्तु कर सकता ह ैउन व्यजक्तयों म ें
स,े िो जिला न्यायाधीि ह ैंया रह चुके ह:ैं
परन्त ुजिला न्यायाधीि अध्यक्ष पि की जनयुजक्त के जलए इन जिजनयमों में उल्लेजित प्रदिया की आिश्यकता नहीं
होगी ।
(3) कानूनी सिस्ट्य दकसी मान्यता प्राप्त जिश्वजिद्यालय से काननू में जडग्री रिन ेिाला व्यजक्त होगा और उसे काननूी
मामलों को िेिन ेका कम से कम बीस (20) िर्ष का अनुभि होना आिश्यक ह;ै
(4) तकनीकी सिस्ट्य दकसी मान्यता प्राप्त जिश्वजिद्यालय से इलेजररकल / इलेररॉजनक इंिीजनयररंग जडग्री रिन ेिाला
व्यजक्त होगा, जिसके पास कम से कम 20 साल का अनुभि हो। उसे जिद्युत क्षेत्र का पयाषप्त ज्ञान होना आिश्यक
ह ैऔर उपभोक्ता मामलों से संबजंधत समस्ट्याओं को जनपटान ेमें अपनी क्षमता प्रिर्ितष की हो।
(5) आिेिक की आय ुठरजक्त उत्पन्न होने के दिन ऐसी होगी दक िह मंच म ेकम से कम तीन िर्ष के एक कायषकाल की
सेिा कर सकने के योग्य हो ।
(6) ऐसा कोई व्यजक्त मंच के अध्यक्ष के रूप में जनयक्तु नहीं दकया िा सकता है, िो ठरजक्त की तारीि से िो (2) साल
पूिष तक दकसी भी समय पर दकसी जितरण लाइसेंसधारी या होलल्डंग कंपनी या लाइसेंसधारी कंपनी की दकसी
होलल्डंग की सहायक कंपनी की सेिा में रहा हो:
परन्त ुइस उप-जिजनयम के जलए, मंच के सिस्ट्य के रूप म ेंप्रिान की गई सेिा को एक जितरण लाइसेंसधारी की
सेिा नहीं माना िाएगा।
(7) ऐसा कोई व्यजक्त िो जिजनयम 10 (3) में उजल्लजित दकसी भी कारण से अयोग्य ह ैया उसने 67 िर्ष की आय ु
पार कर ली ह,ै मंच के जलए जनयुक्त नहीं होगा या मंच का सिस्ट्य बना नहीं रहगेा।
4.0 मलू जिजनयम के जिजनयम 9 का सिं ोधन:
मूल जिजनयम के जिजनयम 9 म,ें उप-जिजनयम (1) जनम्नानुसार प्रजतस्ट्थाजपत होंग:े -
(1) अध्यक्ष या सिस्ट्य अपना पिभार संभालन ेकी तारीि से तीन िर्ष की अिजध के जलए कायाषलय में कायष करेगा:
परन्त ुपात्रता की ितों को परूा करन ेके जस्ट्थजत म ेंमंच के अध्यक्ष या सिस्ट्य िसू रे कायषकाल के जलए तीन (3) िर्ों
तक पुन:जनयुजक्त के पात्र होंगे और उसके आगे नहीं;
परन्त ुयह दक पुन:जनयुजक्त के प्रयोिन के जलए, जिजनयम 6 (v) के तहत आयु सीमा की ितष लागू न हो;[PART III DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY 3
परन्त ुयह भी दक कोई सिस्ट्य या अध्यक्ष, सड़सि (67) िर्ष की आयु प्राप्त करने के बाि दकसी पि को धारण नहीं
करेगा।
5.0 मलू जिजनयम के जिजनयम 15 का सिं ोधन:
मूल जिजनयम के जिजनयम 15 म,ें उप-जिजनयम (11) जनम्नानसु ार प्रजतस्ट्थाजपत होंग:े -
(11) मंच के जलए गणपूर्तष की संख्या तीन होगी और प्रत्येक सिस्ट्य का एक मत होगा और िोटों की समानता की जस्ट्थजत
म,ें मंच के अध्यक्ष या अध्यक्ष के कायों का जनिषहन करते हुए मंच के सबसे िठरष्ठ सिस्ट्य, िैसादक मामला हो, का जनणाषयक
मत होगा।
6.0 मलू जिजनयम के जिजनयम 39 का सजम्मलन:
जनम्नजलजित जिजनयम मूल जिजनयम के जिजनयम 38 के बाि सजम्मजलत होंग:े
"39. ठरयायत िेन ेकी िजक्त –
आयोग सािषिजनक जहत में और जलजित में ििष दकए िाने िाले कारणों के जलए ,इन जिजनयमों के दकसी भी प्रािधान म ें
ठरयायत िे सकता है।
मुकेि िाधिा, सजचि
नोट : मलू जिजनयम 8 माच,ष 2018 को दिल्ली गिट, असाधारण, भाग III एन.सी.टी.डी. नंबर 463 में प्रकाजित दकए
गए थे।
DELHI ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION
NOTIFICATION
Delhi, the 22nd February, 2022
Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and
Ombudsman) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2022
No. F. 11(1938)/DERC/2021-22/7263/1878.—The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, in
exercise of the powers conferred on it by sub- section (2) (r) of Section 181 read with sub-section (5) of
Section 42 of the Electricity Act 2003, and all other powers enabling it in this behalf, and after previous
publication, hereby makes the following Regulations to amend the “Delhi Electricity Regulatory
Commission (Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and Ombudsman) Regulations,
2018”, (hereinafter referred to as “the Principal Regulations”):
1.0 Short title and commencement:
(1) These regulations may be called the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Forum for
Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and Ombudsman) (First Amendment)
Regulations,
2022.
(2) These regulations shall come into effect from the date of their publication in the official
Gazette.
2.0 Amendment of Regulation 5 of Principal Regulations:
In Regulation 5 of Principal Regulations, sub- Regulation (3), shall be substituted as under: -
“
(3) Forum shall consist of five members including the Chairperson.”
3.0 Amendment of Regulation 6 of Principal Regulations:
In Regulation 6 of Principal Regulations, the following shall be substituted: -4 DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY PART III]
“
6. Qualifications for appointments of Chairperson and Members of the Forum
(1) Chairperson and Members shall be persons of ability, integrity and standing who have
adequate knowledge of, and have experience of at least 20 years in dealing with problems
relating to engineering, finance, commerce, economics, law, management, administration
or consumer affairs with minimum qualification of a graduate degree from a recognized
university:
Provided that out of five members (including Chairperson), One Member shall be designated
as Legal Member and one Member shall be Technical.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in Sub-Regulation (1), the Commission may appoint
any person as the Chairperson from amongst persons who is, or has been, a District Judge:
Provided that nothing contained in these Regulations for procedure for appointment of
Chairperson shall apply to appointment of a person as Chairperson who is or has been a
District Judge.
(3) The Legal Member shall be a person possessing a degree in law from a recognized
university and having at least 20 years of experience in handling legal matters.
(4) The Technical Member shall be a person possessing degree in Electrical/Electronic
engineering from a recognized university having at least 20 years’ experience. He shall also
have adequate knowledge of power sector and have shown capacity in dealing with
problems relating to consumer affairs.
(5) The age of the applicant on the date of occurrence of vacancy shall be such that he may be
able to serve at least one term of three (3) years at the Forum.
(6) No person shall be eligible to be appointed as Chairperson of the Forum if he has been in
the service of a Distribution Licensee or in the holding company or subsidiary of such
holding company of a Distribution Licensee at any time during preceding two (2) years from
the date of occurrence of the vacancy:
Provided that for this sub-regulation, the service rendered as a Member of the Forum shall
not be considered as service of a Distribution Licensee.
(7) No person shall be appointed to the Forum or continue to be a member if he suffers from any
of the disqualifications mentioned in Regulation 10 (3) or if he has reached the age of 67.”
4.0 Amendment of Regulation 9 of Principal Regulations:
In Regulation 9 of Principal Regulations, sub- Regulation (1), shall be substituted as under: -
(1) The Chairperson or Member shall hold office for a term of three years from the date he
enters upon his office:
Provided that subject to fulfillment of the conditions of eligibility the Chairperson or
Member of the Forum shall be eligible for reappointment for a second term upto three (3)
years and no further:
Provided further that for the purpose of reappointment, the condition of age limit under
Regulation 6 (5) shall not be applicable:
Provided also that no Member or Chairperson shall hold office after attaining the age of sixty-
seven (67) years.
5.0 Amendment of Regulation 15 of Principal Regulations:
In Regulation 15 of Principal Regulations, sub- Regulation (11), shall be substituted as
under: -
(11) The quorum of the Forum shall be three and each member shall have one vote and in case
of equality of votes, the Chairperson of the Forum or the senior most member of the Forum
discharging the functions of the Chairperson of the Forum presiding over the meeting, as the case
may be, shall have a casting vote.[PART III DELHI GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY 5
6.0 Insertion of Regulation 39 of Principal Regulations:
Following Regulation shall be inserted after Regulation 38 of the Principal Regulations:
“39. Power of Relaxation-
The Commission may in public interest and for reasons to be recorded in writing relax any
provisions of these regulations.”
MUKESH WADHWA, Secy.
Note: The Principal Regulations were published on 8th March, 2018 in the Delhi Gazette, Extraordinary,
Part III at N.C.T.D. No. 463.
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.