Public Utility Regulation

Why it matters

• Prevents monopolistic exploitation by limiting the market power of service providers in sectors with high entry barriers.
• Balances the commercial viability of private operators with the socio-economic objective of providing affordable, reliable essential services to the public.
• Establishes technical and safety standards to protect consumer interests and ensure infrastructure resilience.
• Facilitates competitive neutrality and transparent tariff setting to encourage investment while preventing predatory practices.

How it is asked

Focus on the role of independent regulatory bodies, the trade-off between private sector efficiency and social welfare, and the mechanisms for grievance redressal and tariff determination in infrastructure governance.