Yet another report of a Task force headed by Planning Commission member BK Chaturvedi seems to be in trouble. The report of a task force headed by Mr Chaturvedi on operationalising open access has invited opposition from various corners including finance and power ministries . Former cabinet secretary and Petrolium ministry secretary BK Chaturvedi is notoriously known for many recommendations against public interest, mostly favouring corporates. Chaturvedi recently headed a government panel, which, in early August 2008, suggested ways to reduce the government’s oil subsidy bill that included upward monthly revisions of fuel prices. The recommendations have not found favour either with the oil ministry or public in general.

In its report, the task force has suggested amendment to Electricity Act 2003 to make it explicit that power supply by a generating company to a distribution licensee includes supply through an electricity trader. It has also suggested pricing cap and trading margins for inter-state trading of electricity.

The task force has also suggested maximum trading margin to be allowed to a single trader. In yet another contentious recommendation, the task force has suggested that the government should allow release of Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (APDRP) assistance to states that enable consumers to exercise their right to open access. The power ministry has opposed this as the revised APDRP has already been approved by the Cabinet.