Regulatory Commission Bill Arouses Suspicion - International Law Office

The Energy Regulatory Commission Bill 2003 proposes the formation of an independent energy regulatory commission. While the government claims that the bill is a revolutionary step in reforming the energy sector, the opposition Awami League suspects a gas export plan.

The proposed commission will be the energy sector's independent regulatory body and will comprise a chairperson, to be appointed at the ministry's suggestion, and four members.

The commission will be authorized to:

• issue licences for power generation, energy transmission, supply and marketing, and energy stocking;

• renew, seize and amend any licence;

• impose penalties for violations of licence terms and conditions;

• set gas and energy tariffs;

• introduce codes and standards to ensure quality of energy and gas; and

• advise the government on gas and energy issues as necessary.

For further information on this topic please contact Azarul Haque at Legal Remedy by telephone (+880 2 955 0645) or by fax (+880 2 955 0645) or by email (legal@e-fsbd.net).