1. What is the Bhutan Electricity Authority?
The Bhutan Electricity Authority (BEA) was initially established as a functional autonomous agency as per Section 7 of the Electricity Act of Bhutan, 2001 to regulate the electricity supply industry of Bhutan. The BEA was however granted full autonomy by the Royal Government from January 2010. The Authority consists of four Commission members and a Chairman, appointed by the Minister as per the Electricity Act of Bhutan, 2001 and has a full-time Secretariat in Thimphu which is headed by a Chief Executive Officer, who is also the Member Secretary to the Authority.
2. What is the legal basis for the BEA?
The Electricity Act of Bhutan, 2001 enacted by the National Assembly during its 79th session provides the legal basis.
3.What is the purpose of the Electricity Act?
The Electricity Act of Bhutan, 2001 is enacted to:
3.1 Restructure the electricity supply industry;
3.2 Regulate the electricity supply industry through the BEA;
3.3 Allow private sector participation in the electricity supply industry based on the Policy approved by the Royal Government of Bhutan;
3.4 Empower the Royal Government to create companies for carrying out all or any of the purpose of the Act.
4. What are the functions of the BEA?
The functions of the BEA are:
4.1 To regulate the electricity supply industry;
4.2 To set technical, safety and performance standards for the electricity supply industry;
4.3 To develop electricity tariff regulations and approve domestic tariffs;
4.4 To develop subsidy regulations based on the Policy of the Minister/Royal Government;
4.5 To issue licences and monitor compliance with licence conditions;
4.6 To settle disputes that may arise between licensees and between licensees and customers;
4.7 prescribe royalties, fines and penalties, to be paid by licensees.
5. Who will BEA regulate?
5.1 Bhutan Power Corporation Limited (BPC);
5.2 Hydropower generating companies (currently DGPC);
5.3 All other agencies involved in the construction of power projects or power systems.
6. How will the BEA benefit consumers?
As a regulator, BEA shall:
6.1 Monitor the compliance of technical and safety standards of electricity supply to consumers and also the quality of electricity service to consumers;
6.2 Attend to grievances filed by the consumers against the electricity supplier;
6.3 Regulate the tariff that the utility charges the consumer through its Tariff Determination Regulation, so that the consumers are charged reasonably.
7. What are your Rights as a customer?
As a customer, you have rights to the following:
7.1 To be supplied with safe and reliable electricity supply;
7.2 Tariffs that are fair and reasonable;
7.3 To be given proper notice when electricity supply in going to be disrupted for maintenance purposes;
7.4 Disconnection of electricity supply only after prior written notice;
7.5 Compensation for loss or damage caused by proven negligence of the licensee;
7.6 To receive bills on time;
7.7 Make appeals to BEA when Licensee defaults in supplying electricity to the consumers.
8. What are your duties as a customer?
As a customer, the following are your basic duties:
8.1 Comply with the safety regulations in place;
8.2 Do not steal electricity, it is a crime;
8.3 Pay your bills on time;
8.4 Do not tamper with electrical installations;
8.5 Report any problems that you may notice on electrical installations;
8.6 Compensation as stipulated in the Electricity Act of Bhutan, 2001 shall be paid only upon written claim for compensation has been lodged with the licensee.
9. Some Safety Tips
9.1 Always insist on original electrical fittings and accessories;
9.2 Do not use locally fabricated water immersion heaters to heat water. Use of such homemade heaters could cost precious human lives;
9.3 Never overload your electrical sockets;
9.4 Never use water to put off electrical fires;
9.5 Always provide Multiple-Earth-Neutral (MEN);
9.6 Provide reliable protective devices for your expensive electronic appliances;
9.7 Always use appliances of standard voltage ratings;
9.8 During lightning, do not use electrical appliances (TV, radio, refrigerator, washing machine, etc.);
9.9 Avoid touching live electrical appliances when your body is wet;
9.10 Do not let children play with electrical sockets;
9.11 Do not attempt to install/repair electrical systems if you are not properly trained to do so;
9.12 Always seek advice from professional electrical engineers and electricians if in doubt. By doing so, you will save yourself, your properties, others and others’ property too.
Remember:
“Electricity is a good servant but a bad master”. If you know how to use electricity safely, it will do everything for you. But if you make mistake while using electricity, it will not give you any warnings and instead will punish you instantaneously. The punishment you will receive will be so severe that you will not be able to forget it in your lifetime (that too provided you survive after receiving the punishment).
10. Some Energy Conservation Tips
10.1 Insulate your water geysers or install them inside your house;
10.2 Make sure that your water geyser’s water temperature is not set too high;
10.3 Insulate your house as best you can during the winter;
10.4 Use energy saving electrical appliances;
10.5 Always put off the lights and switches when not in use;
11.For any further clarifications, you may contact:
Chief Executive Officer
Bhutan Electricity Authority
Post Box No. 1557
Thimphu : Bhutan
Phone (PABX) # +975-2-327317
Fax # 975-2-38757
Email: bea@druknet.bt
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