EV push: Govt may amend Electricity Act to boost charging stations

Discoms may be allowed to sell electricity directly to charging-station operators or create their own charging-station franchises

The power ministry is considering ending the lock on electricity sales by distributors as one way to speed up growth in vehicle charging stations, according to a ministry official with knowledge of the plan.

The approach would require amending the Electricity Act, which only allows distributors to sell power, including for electric-vehicle charging stations, according to the official, who asked not to be identified as the information isn’t public. Two committees have been set up to examine the policy issues and technical specifications of the options under consideration, said the official.

Other options include the companies, known as discoms, selling