According to Electricity Act, 2003, the number of members in the State Commission is _______.

Explanation:

Electricity Act, 2003

The Electricity Act, 2003, is a comprehensive piece of legislation in India that aims to consolidate the laws relating to the generation, transmission, distribution, trading, and use of electricity. It was enacted to promote competition, efficiency, and the interests of consumers while ensuring the supply of electricity to all areas. The Act also provides for the constitution of regulatory commissions at both the central and state levels to oversee and regulate the electricity sector.

State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC)

One of the key provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, is the establishment of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). These commissions are responsible for regulating the electricity sector at the state level. Their functions include determining tariffs for electricity supply, promoting competition, ensuring the quality of supply, and protecting the interests of consumers.

Composition of the State Commission

The Electricity Act, 2003, specifies the composition of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission. According to Section 82 of the Act, the State Commission shall consist of not more than three members. This includes the Chairperson and two other members. Therefore, the correct number of members in the State Commission is three.

Correct Option Analysis:

The correct option is:

Option 4: 3

This option accurately reflects the provision of the Electricity Act, 2003, regarding the composition of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission. The Act clearly states that the State Commission shall consist of not more than three members, including the Chairperson.

Additional Information

To further understand the analysis, let’s evaluate the other options:

Option 1: 4

This option is incorrect. The Electricity Act, 2003, does not provide for a State Electricity Regulatory Commission with four members. The Act explicitly states that the Commission shall consist of not more than three members.

Option 2: 2

This option is also incorrect. While the Act allows for the Commission to have fewer than three members, it specifies that the Commission shall consist of not more than three members. Therefore, stating that the number of members is two does not fully capture the provision of the Act.

Option 3: 5

This option is incorrect. The Electricity Act, 2003, limits the number of members in the State Electricity Regulatory Commission to not more than three. Therefore, a Commission with five members would be in violation of the Act.

Conclusion:

Understanding the composition of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission as specified in the Electricity Act, 2003, is essential for ensuring compliance with the law. The Act clearly states that the Commission shall consist of not more than three members, including the Chairperson. This structure is designed to ensure effective regulation of the electricity sector at the state level while maintaining a manageable size for decision-making and governance. The correct answer to the given question is option 4, which accurately reflects the provisions of the Act.