The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has released a draft notification proposing an overhaul of its consultant engagement framework. The new “TNERC (Appointment of Consultants) Regulations, 2025” will replace the existing 2004 regulations, modernizing how experts and professionals are appointed to support the Commission’s growing needs.
The draft is open for public comments until July 31, 2025, following which the final regulations will be notified in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette.
📌 Key Highlights:
🔄 Replacement of 2004 Regulations
- The proposed 2025 regulations will repeal the existing 2004 consultant appointment rules.
- Issued under Sections 91(4) and 181 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
🧠 Wider Expert Categories Defined
- Consultants will now be classified into:
- Corporate Consultants
- Individual Consultants
- Professional Experts (25+ years experience)
- Staff Consultants (routine assistance roles)
🗂️ Clear Scope of Engagement
Consultants may be hired for:
- Regulatory research
- Expert advice
- Performance studies and benchmarking
- Work overflow support
- Tamil Nadu Electricity Ombudsman assistance
⏳ Engagement Period
- Consultants can be engaged for 1 year, extendable annually up to 5 years based on performance.
- Age cap: Below 62 years at appointment, retirement at 65.
📝 Structured Selection Process
- Formation of a Consultancy Evaluation Committee (CEC) for vetting and approvals.
- Bid-based selection with 70% weightage to technical proposals.
- Single source or nomination-based selection allowed under defined circumstances (e.g., urgency, proprietary expertise).
🏛️ Academic Partnerships
- TNERC may sign MoUs with academic/research institutions for long-term research.
- Empanelment valid for 3 years, extendable by 2 years.
- Selection through least-cost method based on project needs.
💰 Quick Engagements
- For urgent cases under ₹10 lakh, TNERC may engage consultants directly via single-source selection.
📨 Public Participation Invited
The Commission has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders by 31st July 2025. Comments must be submitted in duplicate to:
The Secretary
Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission
4th Floor, SIDCO Corporate Office Building
Thiru Vi Ka Industrial Estate, Guindy
Chennai – 600 032
📧 Email: tnerc@nic.in