CIC asks DERC to disclose tariff fixation info in ‘simple language’

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) to disclose information related to tariff fixation in “simple language” before inviting the public’s views on the matter.

The commission has directed DERC to disclose information on issues such as prudence check on electricity companies, non-submission of report on prudence check by consultant PWC, Income Tax issues, cost incurred by discoms while contesting cases in Supreme Court against CAG audit and CIC decision making them answerable under the RTI Act, besides other.

CIC said the DERC must explain the impact of these factors on consumers’ interest as well as the profits earned by discoms which will enable people and stakeholders to give their views on the matter. DERC had claimed that details cannot be shared before a decision is taken.

Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu said, “It is not legally correct to say that DERC would share information after a decision is taken as it has a mandate to inform the people while formulating the tariff as it seeks their objections and views, which cannot be given without complete information”.

An RTI activist, Anil Sood, complained to CIC that DERC had sought the views of the public before tariff fixation (last date being April 17) but it has failed to post the complete information in simple language.

Sood said the public should be provided with the information in easy language before they give their opinions on electricity tariff fixation in the national Capital. He alleged that it was a violation of the provisions for suo-motu disclosure under the RTI Act. The public cannot be expected to understand the technical aspects before giving its views, he added.

He also said, “I require DERC to put up information in simple language with analysis and explanations before inviting the views of the public as per the scheme and procedure of tariff fixation and complete the process accordingly”.