Thiruvananthapuram: The central government has amended the draft of electricity bill again. The new conditions in the bill strengthen the centre’s plan to privatise the power sector. Amending the bill, the central government has directed that license is not required for private firms to take over power supply across the country.

As per the amendment, companies have to register in the electricity regulatory commission instead of taking license for power supply. At the same time, private firms have to register at central electricity regulatory commission for supplying electricity in regions including more than one state.

With the privatization of power sector, various companies will be allowed to supply power in same sector of an area. The companies will be able to carry out supply to the consumers in selected areas as per their wish. The consumers will also have the freedom to choose the company.

When the amendment comes into force, the regulatory commission would not need to fix the power tariff. Only maximum tariff will be fixed. The companies will be allowed to charge a low rate from the consumers.

Meanwhile, Kerala has opposed the central government’s new recommendations in the electricity amendment bill. The state government alleged that allowing companies to function without license would influence them to violate the restrictions of the regulatory commission.

Kerala pointed out that restricting the power of states to choose companies for supply is against the federal policy of the government.

It is examined that the central government will present the electricity amendment bill in the parliament session on Monday.