Providing consumers the right to choose their preferred power supplier would be challenging even after the amendments to the Electricity Act. Lack of multiple power distribution companies (discoms) in several states, tepid interest for privatisation of discoms and no overarching regulations are some of the hindrances in the path of a dynamic electricity retail market.

       The latest amendments to the Electricity Act, 2003 seek to abolish power “distribution licence” and allow any company to supply electricity in an area, after necessary regulatory approval. With this, the ...