Berc Act Amendment News Today

Unchecked rise in prices of food and non-food items: Lack of action to bring down prices of food is especially concerning

January 2013 hike in electricity prices: Another hike in electricity prices means further suffering for the public

BERC public hearing: Since 2008, BERC started holding hearings on fixing electricity prices and natural gas rates. This ensured some sort of transparency and accountability of utility companies, and allowed the general public and consumers to look into their accounts and books, and judge their efficiency. A process was put into place where they had to apply and show the reason

Lack of accountability in energy sector: If the government itself fixes the price, will public interest be preserved? Does all this not point to a lack of transparency or accountability of the electricity generation and distribution companies?

The government introduced the amendment to the BERC Act because it wants to have FULL control over fuel and electricity prices. With this amendment, BERC's authority is now greatly diminished.