Central Electricity Regulatory Commission
Also called: CERC · Topic: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial Bodies · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) is a statutory regulator set up under the Electricity Act 2003. It regulates central tariffs (the prices charged by central power producers), inter-state transmission (carrying power across state borders) and inter-state power trading. State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) do the same job inside each state. Like other regulators, CERC makes rules, gives licences and settles disputes, so it has a quasi-judicial role (court-like powers).
Example
If a power company is unhappy with a CERC order on a tariff, it appeals to the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL), not straight to an ordinary court.
Don't confuse with
- State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs): SERCs regulate electricity inside one state. CERC handles central and inter-state matters.
Related concepts
- Regulatory body
- Regulatory capture
- Securities and Exchange Board of India
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
- Competition Commission of India
- Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
- Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority