CUTS is having a long history in working in the power sector in Rajasthan. When the regulatory reforms was initiated in the power sector, welcoming this move, CUTS started educating the consumer groups to understand about the reforms and to participate effectively in the functioning of the regulatory bodies. While reforms were introduced in the beginning of 2000, it was felt that there was no institutional mechanism in place to represent the consumers at large, and their concerns, in organised and professional manner.
To fill the vacuum, CUTS came forward and conceptualised and initiated the programme ‘Involvement of consumers in power sector reforms in Rajasthan’ in all the districts of Rajasthan in August 2001 in partnership with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES). The major objective of the programme, among others, was to facilitate active involvement of consumers in power sector reforms. This model, which is known as ‘CUTS-FES model’ is widely recognised as innovative and comprehensive approach towards enhancing the effectiveness of consumers’ voice and improving their participation in the reform process.