The government has invited applications for the post of chairman of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), which is anticipated to fall vacant in June next year. “The post of chairperson, CERC will fall vacant on June 9, 2013. It is proposed to fill up the anticipated vacancy,” the Power Ministry said in a circular on November 9.
Besides the chairperson, the regulator has three members. CERC, set up under provisions of the erstwhile Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, was instrumental in framing the Electricity Act, 2003.
The chairperson is presently entitled to a consolidated pay of Rs 3.75 lakh per month, without house and car.
CERC has the powers to regulate electricity tariffs, inter-state transmission and implementing grid standards, among others.
In recent times, the role of CERC has attracted much attention following the massive grid failures and poor financial health of distribution companies that has also necessitated the need for higher electricity tariffs.
The incumbent, Pramod Deo, assumed the post on June 9, 2008. Going by CERC website, Deo is the longest serving electricity regulator in India.
As per norms, the chairperson and members of CERC should be persons having adequate knowledge of, or experience in, or shown capacity in, dealing with, problems relating to engineering, law, economics, commerce, finance or management.
The tenure of a chairperson is for five years or till the individual attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
“The candidate is required to give a declaration that he/she does not have any financial or other interest, which is likely to affect prejudicially his/her function as chairperson CERC,” according to the circular.
Besides, applications have been invited for the post of a CERC member that would be falling vacant next year.
Another circular said that one post of CERC member “would fall vacant on May 10, 2013. A member is entitled to a monthly consolidated pay of Rs 3.125 lakh, without house and car.
Applications or nominations for these posts has to reach the Power Ministry within six weeks.