SCL Das takes charge as DERC chairman

Newly appointed chairman of Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC), SCL Das, was on Thursday administered the oath of office by State Power Minister Ashish Sood.

The minister congratulated Das on assuming the new responsibility and expressed hope that his extensive administrative experience would greatly benefit the power sector in Delhi.

Delhi Government accords the highest priority to transparency, accountability and protection of consumer interests in the power sector, Ashish Sood said in a statement.

Former IAS officer Subhash Chandra Lal Das was appointed DERC chairman through a notification of the Power Department issued on Wednesday.

Also, Ajay Kumar Jain, a retired district judge, was appointed as member (legal) and Praveen Gupta, as member (non-legal) of the Commission.

The post of DERC chairman was lying vacant for more than a year. In a clean break from tradition, a retired IAS officer, instead of any retired High Court judge, has been given charge of the office.

Das’s extensive experience and administrative expertise are expected to further strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of DERC’s functioning, the statement said.

The DERC plays an important role in regulating the electricity sector in Delhi, safeguarding the interests of consumers and overseeing key matters related to electricity distribution.