Department of Power, Government of West Bengal

A full-fledged Department of Power under Government of West Bengal came into being on 19th September, 1972. Until then, matters pertaining to power were being looked after by the Electricity Development Directorate under the Department of Commerce & Industries. Roles & Responsibilities:

• To evolve general policies and programs as well as perspective planning on development of electricity in the state and ensure implementation of the same through various power utilities in public and private sector.
• To exercise control over the generation, distribution and utilization of electricity in the state for the general well-being of the people.
• Administration of the Electricity Act, 2003 and Rules & Regulation in the state through the Directorate of Electricity, West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission and the utilities. Also, processing and enactment of appropriate state legislation on power policy as may be required from time to time.
• Monitoring and co-ordination of the activities of various power utilities in the state to ensure cohesive growth and resolving the conflicts/disputes among them, if any.
• Overseeing and providing requisite inputs towards acceleration of the implementation of power projects.
• Liaison with Ministry of Power, Govt. of India, Central Electricity Authority, REC and other concerned departments of Union and State Govts.
• Matter relating to appointment of Chairman and members of West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission.
• Matters pertaining to Rural Electrification Programs.
• Matters relating to Energy Management, Energy Audit, Conservation of Energy, Pilferage/loss of energy, Pollution Control measures, Renovation & Modernization of power plants.
• Issues pertaining to different forms of non-conventional (renewable) energy.