New Delhi, Feb. 10 -- Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik has said the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to reduce duplication of power distribution infrastructure and improve efficiency without adversely affecting consumers.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, the Minister said the Electricity Act, 2003 already allows multiple distribution licensees in the same area and provides for non-discriminatory open access to distribution networks.

However, he noted that the current requirement for each new licensee to build its own network of poles, wires and substations has led to duplication and higher costs.

Shared Network Use Proposed

The draft amendment proposes to allow distribution license...