The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized an Online Session on "Scope of Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 in the New Normal" on 19th June 2020. This was conducted on Zoom platform.

We are witnessing an unprecedented time due to outbreak of the pandemic. We are trying to be more resilient in the 'New Normal'. If COVID-19 has created a pause from 'Business As Usual', perhaps we may explore to utilize the period, not only to synchronize with the 'New Normal' but also to create a robust future ready power sector.

The Electricity Act, 2003 (hereinafter 'Act') has been the statutory paradigm which has governed the laws regarding the generation, distribution, transmission, trading and use of electricity, keeping in mind the interests of the state and central departments, producers and consumers of electricity, setting rules and regulations and regulatory authorities to govern a major component of the power sector. In order to address some recurring issues with some policy modifications, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020 has been introduced by the Ministry of Power on April 17, 2020 ('Amendment').

The session focussed on the aspects:
▪  Power Sector - Policy Level
▪  Renewable
▪  Distribution
▪  Thermal Generation
▪  Regulatory Aspects
▪  Power Marketing

Mr. Gautam Ray, Chairperson, Energy & Environment Committee, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Executive Director (HR & Admin.), CESC Limited delivered the Welcome address. The session was graced by Mr. Ghanshyam Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India; Mr. Rajesh Mediratta, Director, India Energy Exchange; Dr. Kanak Mukhopadhyay, Managing Director, Agni Solar Systems Pvt Ltd; Dr. B C K Mishra, Managing Director, UPCL; Mr. Tarun Katiyar, Chief - Business development, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd; Dr. Priyabrata Patnaik, Director & Secretary, OERC and Mr. Sudipto Mukherjee, Executive Director, CESC Limited.

Around 130 participants were present with us. However, we are happy to share with you that the video in Facebook have been viewed by 750 more.