Electricity Regulatory Commissions Can Hear Public Interest Petitions Filed by Non-Consumers : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has held that State Electricity Regulatory Commissions can entertain petitions filed by non-consumers if the issue involves public interest.

The ruling came while dismissing Torrent Power’s appeal against the UP Electricity Regulatory Commission’s decision to examine a 2012 petition filed by a private individual seeking an investigation into a distribution franchisee agreement in Agra.

The Court held that powers under Sections 128 and 129 of the Electricity Act, 2003 are inquisitorial and regulatory, not purely adjudicatory. 

The court clarified that anyone can initiate regulatory scrutiny where public interest is at stake, even without seeking private relief.