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Electricity Act, 1910

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THE ELECTRICITY ACT, 1910

THE SCHEDULE

THE ELECTRICITY ACT, 1910 1ACT No. IX OF 1910 [18th March, 1910] An Act to amend the law relating to the supply and use of electrical energy

WHEREAS it is expedient to amend the law relating to the supply and use of electrical energy;

It is hereby enacted as follows:–

PART I

PRELIMINARY

Section 1. Short title, extent and commencement

(1) This Act may be called the 2[*] Electricity Act, 1910.

3[(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan.]

(3) It shall come into force on such date4 as the 5[Federal Government] may, by notification in the 6[official Gazette], direct in this behalf.

Section 2. Definitions

In this Act, expressions defined in the Telegraph Act, 1885 (XIII of 1885), have the meanings assigned to them in that Act, and, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,—

(a) “aerial line” means any electric supply-line which is placed above ground and in the open air:

(b) “area of supply” means the area within which alone a licensee is for the time being authorized by his license to supply energy:

(c) “consumer” means any person who is supplied with energy by a licensee, or 7[who is the owner or occupier of the premises which] are for the time being connected for the purposes of a supply of energy with the works of a licensee:

1The Act has been amended in its application to the Province of Punjab by Punjab Ordinance, XXIX of 1971. The Act has been supplemented In Baluchistan by the Biritish Baluchistan Electricity (Emergency Powers) Regulation, 1947, (Reg. II of 1947), extended to the Leased Areas of Baluchistan, by the Leased Areas (Laws) Order, 1950 (G. G. O. 3 of 1950); and applied in the Federated Area of Baluchistan, see Gazette of India, 1937, Pt. I, p. 1499. The Act has been applied to Phulera in the Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal to the extent the Act is applicable in the N.W.F.P., and extended to the Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal other that Phulera by the N.W.F.P. (Upper Tanawal) (Excluded Area) Laws Regulation, 1950 and declared to be in force in that area with effect from the 1st June, 1951, see N.W.F.P. Gazette, Extraordinary, dated the 1st June, 1951. It has also been extended to–

(i) the Baluchistan State Union, by the Baluchistan States Union. (Federal Laws)

(Extension) Order, 1953 (G.G.O, 4 of 1953);

(ii) the State of Bahawalpur, by the Bahawalpur (Extension of Federal Laws Order. 1953 (G.G.O.11 of 1953) and

(iii) the Khairpur State by G. G.O. 5 of 1953. The Act has been and shall be deemed to have been brought into force in Gwadur with effect from the 8th September, 1958, by the Gwadur (Application of Central Laws) Ordinance, 1960 (31 of 1960). s. 2. 2 2The word “Indian” omitted by A.O, 1949.

3Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute, Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (XXI of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), for sub-section

(2) as amended by A O. 1949 and the Federal Law’s (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (XXVI of 1951), s. 8, 4The 1st January, 1911, see Gen. R . & O.

5Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government” which had been subs. by A.O., 1937 , for “G.G. in C”.

6Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “Gazette of India”

7Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 2, for “whose premises”. 3

(d) “daily fine” means a fine for each day on which an offence is continued after conviction therefor:

(e) “distributing main” means the portion of any main with which a service line is, or is intended to be, immediately connected: .

(f) “electric supply line” means a wire, conductor or other means used for conveying, transmitting or distributing energy together with any casing, coating, covering, tube, pipe or insulator enclosing, surrounding or supporting the same or any part thereof, or any apparatus connected therewith for the purpose of so conveying, transmitting or distributing such energy:

(g) “energy” means electrical energy when generated, transmitted, supplied or used for any purpose except the transmission of a message:

(h) “licensee” means any person licensed under Part II to supply energy:

(i) “main” means any electric supply, line through which energy is, or is intended to be, supplied by a licensee to the public:

(j) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act:

(k) “public lamp” means an electric-lamp used for the lighting of any street: 1[(1) “service line” means any electric supply-line through which energy is, or is intended to be, supplied by a li censee—

(i) to a single consumer either from a distributing main or immediately from the licensee’s premises, or

(ii) from a distributing main to a group of consumers on the same premises or on adjoining premises supplied from the same point of the distributing main:]

(m) “street” includes any way, road, lane, square, court, alley passage or open space, whether a thoroughfare or not, over which the public have a right of way, and also the roadway and footway over any public bridge or causeway : and

(n) “works” includes electric supply-lines and any buildings, machinery or apparatus required to supply energy and to carry into effect the objects of a license granted under Part II.

PART II

SUPPLY OF ENERGY

Licenses

Section 3. Grant of licenses

(1) The 2[Provincial Government] may, on application made in the prescribed form and on payment of the prescribed fee (if any), grant to any person a license to supply energy in any specified area, and also to lay down or place electric supply-lines for the conveyance and transmission of energy,___

1Subs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 2, for the original clause (1).

2Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “L. G.”. 4

(a) where the energy to be supplied is to be generated outside such area from a generating station situated outside such area to the boundary of such area, or

(b) where energy is to be conveyed or transmitted from any place in such area to any other place therein, across an intervening area not included therein, across such area.

(2) In respect of every such license and the grant thereof the following provisions shall have effect, namely :—

(a) any person applying for a license under this Part shall publish a notice of his application in the prescribed manner and with the prescribed particulars, and the license shall not be granted –

(i) until all objections received by the l[Provincial Government] with reference thereto have been considered by it:

Provided that no objection shall be so considered unless it is received before the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of such notice as aforesaid; and

(ii) until, in the case of an application for a license for an area including the whole or any part of any cantonment, fortress, arsenal, dockyard or camp or of any building or place in the occupation of the Government for naval or military purposes, the l[Provincial Government] has ascertained that there is no objection to the grant of the license on the part of the 2[Engineer-in-Chief,3[General Head Quarters, Pakistan]] ;

(b) where an objection is received from any local authority concerned, the l[Provincial Government] shall, if in its opinion the objection is insufficient; record in writing, and communicate to such local authority its reasons for such opinion;

(c) no application for a license under this Part shall be made by any local authority except in pursuance of a resolution passed at a meeting of such authority held after one month’s previous notice of the same and of the purpose thereof has been given in the manner in which notices of meetings of such local authority are usually given;

(d) a license under this Part___

(i) may prescribe such terms as to the limits within which, and the conditions under which, the supply of energy is to be compulsory or permissive, and as to the limits of price to be charged in respect of the supply of energy, and generally as to such matters as the l[Provincial Government] may think fit ; and

1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for "L. G.".

2Subs. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1925 (XXXVII of 1925), s.2 and First Sch., for “Director of Military Works” which had been subs. for the original words “General Officer Commanding the Division” by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 3.

3Subs. by A. O., 1949, for “Army Headquarters, India”. 5

(ii) save in cases in which under section 10, clause (b), the provisions of sections 5 and 7, or either of them, have been declared not to apply, every such license shall declare whether any generating station to be used in connection with the undertaking shall or shall not form part of the undertaking for the purpose of purchase under section 5 or section 7;

(e) the grant of a license under this Part for any purpose shall not in any way hinder or restrict the grant of a license to another person within the same area of supply for a like purpose;

(f) the provisions contained in the Schedule shall be deemed to be incorporated with, and to form part of, every license granted under this Part, save in so far as they are expressly added to, varied or excepted by the license, and shall, subject to any such additions, variations or exceptions which the l[Provincial Government] is hereby empowered to make, apply to the undertaking authorized by the license:

Provided that, where a license is granted in accordance with the provisions of clause IX of the Schedule for the supply of energy to other licensees for distribution by them, then, in so far as such license relates to such supply, the provisions of clauses IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and XII of the Schedule shall not be deemed to be incorporated with the license.

2[* * * * * * *]

Section 4. Revocation or amendment of licenses

(1)The l[Provincial Government] may, if in its opinion the public interest so requires, revoke a license in any of the following cases, namely:___

(a) where the licensee, in the opinion of the 1[Provincial Government], makes wilful and unreasonably prolonged default in doing anything required of him by or under this Act;

(b) where the licensee breaks any of the terms or conditions of his license the breach of which is expressly declared by such license to render it liable to revocation;

(c) where the licensee fails, within the period fixed in this behalf by his license or any longer period which the 1[Provincial Government] may substitute therefor by order under sub-section (3), clause (b), and before exercising any of the powers conferred on him thereby in relation to the execution of works,___

(i) to show, to the satisfaction of the 1[Provincial Government], that he is in a position fully and efficiently to discharge the duties and obligations imposed on him by his license, or

(ii) to make the deposit or furnish the security required by his license;

(d) where the licensee is, in the opinion of the 1[Provincial Government], unable, by reason of his insolvency, fully and efficiently to discharge the duties and obligations imposed on him by his license.

1Subs. by A. O., 1937 for “L. G.”.

2Sub-section (3) was omitted by the Devolution Act, 1920 (XXXVIII of 1920). s. 2 and First Sch. 6

(2) Where the l[Provincial Government] might, under subsection (1), revoke a license, it may, instead of revoking the license, 2[impose on the licensee a penalty, not exceeding ten thousand rupees, and permit the license to remain in force] subject to such further terms and conditions as it thinks fit to impose, and any further terms or conditions so imposed shall be binding upon, and be observed by, the licensee, and shall be of like force and effect as if they were contained in the license.

(3) Where in its opinion the public interest so permits, the l[Provincial Government] may, on the application or with the consent of the licensee, and, if the licensee is not a local authority, after consulting the local authority (if any) concerned,___

(a) revoke a license as to the whole or any part of the area of supply upon such terms and conditions as it thinks fit, or

(b) make such alterations or amendments in the terms and conditions of a license, including the provisions specified in section 3, sub-section (2), clause (f), as it thinks fit.

Section 5. Provisions where license of licensee, not being a local authority, is revoked

Where the 1[Provincial Government] revokes under section 4, sub-section (1), the license of a licensee, not being a local authority, the following provisions shall have effect, namely:___

(a) the 1[Provincial Government] shall serve a notice of the revocation upon the licensee, and, where the whole of the area of supply is included in the area for which a single local authority is constituted, upon that local authority also, and shall in the notice fix a date on which the revocation shall take effect; and on and with effect from that date, all the powers and liabilities of the licensee under this Act shall absolutely cease and determine;

(b) where a notice has been served on a local authority under clause (a), the local authority may, within three months after the service of the notice, and with the written consent of the l[Provincial Government], by notice in writing, require the licensee to sell, and the re upon the licensee shall sell, the undertaking to the local authority on payment of the value of all lands, buildings, works, materials and plant of the licensee suitable to, and used by him for, the purposes of the undertaking, other than a generating station declared by the license not to form part of the undertaking for the purpose of purchase, such value to be, in case of difference or dispute, determined by arbitration:

Provided that the value of such lands, buildings, works, materials and plant shall be deemed to be their fair market-value at the time of purchase, due regard being had to the nature and condition for the time being of such lands, buildings, works, materials and plant, and to the state of repair thereof, and to the circumstance that they are in such a position as to be ready for immediate working, and to the suitability of the same for the purposes of the undertaking but without any addition in respect of compulsory purchase or of goodwill or of any profits which may be or might have been made from the undertaking, or of any similar considerations;

1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.

2Subs. by the Electricity Act, (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1962 (VI of 19.62) s. 2. for “permit it to remain in force”. 7

(c) where no purchase has been effected by the local authority under clause (b), and any other person is willing to purchase the undertaking, the l[Provincial Government] may, if it thinks fit, with the consent of the licensee, or without the consent of the licensee in case the price is not less than that for which the local authority might have purchased the same, require the licensee to sell, and thereupon the licensee shall sell, the undertaking to such other person;

(d) where no purchase has been effected under clause (b) or clause (c) within such time as the l[Provincial Government] may consider reasonable, or where the whole of the area of supply is not included in the area, for which a single local authority is constituted, the 1[Provincial Government] shall have the option of purchasing the undertaking and if the l[Provincial Government] elects to purchase, the licensee shall sell the undertaking to the l[Provincial Government] upon terms and conditions similar to those set forth in clause (b);

(e) where a purchase has been effected under any of the preceding clauses,–

(i) the undertaking shall vest in the purchasers free from any debts,

mortgages or similar obligations of the licensee or attaching to the under

taking:

Provided that any such debts, mortgages or similar obligations shall attach to the purchase- money in substitution for the undertaking; and

(ii) the revocation of the license shall extend only to the revocation of the rights, powers, authorities, duties and obligations of the licensee from whom the undertaking is purchased, and, save as aforesaid, the license shall remain in full force, and the purchaser shall be deemed to be the licensee:

Provided that where the l[Provincial Government] elects to purchase under clause (d), the license shall, after purchase, in so far as the l[Provincial Government] is concerned, cease to have any further operation;

(f) where no purchase has been effected under any of the foregoing clauses, the licensee shall have the option of disposing of all lands, buildings, works, materials and plant belonging to the undertaking in such manner as he may think fit:

Provided that, if the licensee does not exercise such option within a period of six months from the date on which the same became exercisable, the 1[Provincial Government] may forthwith cause the works of the licensee in, under, over, along or across any street to be removed and every such street to be reinstated, and recover the cost of such removal and reinstatement from the licensee;

(g) if the licensee has been required to sell the undertaking, and if the sale has not been completed by the date fixed in the notice issued under clause (a), the purchaser may, with the previous sanction of the 1[Provincial Government], work the undertaking pending the completion of the sale.

1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.” 8

Section 6. Provisions where license of local authority is revoked

(1) Where the l[Provincial Government] revokes the license of a local authority under section 4, sub-section (1), and any person is willing to purchase the undertaking, the 1[Provincial Government] may, if it thinks fit, require the local authority to sell, and thereupon the local authority shall sell, the undertaking to such person on such terms as the 1[Provincial Government] thinks just.

(2) Where no purchase has been effected under sub-section (1), the licensee shall have the option of disposing of all lands, buildings, works, materials and plant belonging to the under-taking in such manner as he may think fit:

Provided that, if the licensee does not exercise such option within a period of six months from the date on which the same became exercisable, the l[Provincial Government] may forthwith cause the works of the licensee in, under, over, along or across any street to be removed and every such street to be reinstated, and recover the cost of such removal and reinstatement from the licensee.

Section 7. Purchase of undertaking

(1) Where a license has been granted to any person not being a local authority, and the whole of the area of supply is included in the area for which a single local authority is constituted, the local authority shall, on the expiration of such period, not exceeding fifty years, and of every such subsequent period, not exceeding twenty years, as shall be specified in this behalf in the license, have the option of purchasing the undertaking, and, if the local authority, with the previous sanction of the 1[Provincial Government], elects to purchase, the licensee shall sell the undertaking to the local authority on payment of the value of all lands, buildings, works, materials and plant of the licensee suitable to, and used by him for, the purposes of the undertaking, other than a generating station declared by the license not to form part of the undertaking for the purpose of purchase, such value to be, in case of difference or dispute, determined by arbitration:

Provided that the value of such lands, buildings, works, materials and plant shall be deemed to be their fair market-value at the time of purchase, due regard being had to the nature and condition for the time being of such lands, buildings, works, materials and plant, and to the state of repair thereof and to the circumstance that they are in such a position as to be ready for immediate working, and to the suitability of the same for the purposes of the undertaking:

Provided also that there shall be added to such value as aforesaid such percentage, if any, not exceeding twenty per centum on that value as may be specified in the license, on account of compulsory purchase.

(2) Where–

(a) the local authority does not elect to purchase under sub-section (1), or

(b) the whole of the area of supply is not included in the area for which a single local authority is constituted, or

(c) a licensee supplies energy from the same generating station to two or more areas of supply, each controlled by its own local authority, and has been granted a license in respect of each area of supply,

lSubs. by A.O. 1937 for “L. G,.” 9

l[Provincial Government] shall have the like option upon the like terms and conditions.

(3) Where a purchase has been effected under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2),___

(a) the undertaking shall vest in the purchasers free from any debts, mortgages or similar obligations of the licensee or attaching to the undertaking:

Provided that any such debts, mortgages or similar obligations shall attach to the purchase- money in substitution for the undertaking; and

(b) save as aforesaid, the license shall remain in full force, and the purchaser shall be deemed to be the licensee:

Provided that where the l[Provincial Government] elects to purchase under sub-section (2), the license shall, after purchase, in so far as the l[Provincial Government] is concerned, cease to have any further operation.

2(4) Not less than two years’ notice in writing of any election to purchase under this section shall be served upon the licensee by the local authority or the l[Provincial Government], as the case may be.

(5) Notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, a local authority may, with the previous sanction of the l[Provincial Government], waive its option to purchase and enter into an agreement with the licensee for the working by him of the undertaking until the expiration of the next subsequent period referred to in sub-section (1), upon such terms and conditions as may be stated in such agreement.

Section 8. Provisions where no purchase and license revoked with consent of licensee

Where, on the expiration of any of the periods referred to in section 7, sub-section (1), neither a local authority nor the 1[Provincial Government] purchases the undertaking, and the license is, on the application or with the consent of the licensee, revoked, the licensee shall have the option of disposing of all lands, buildings, works, materials and plant belonging to the undertaking in such manner as he may think fit:

Provided that, if the licensee does not exercise such option within a period of six months, the l[Provincial Government] may proceed to take action as provided in section 5, clause (f), proviso.

Section 9. Licensee not purchase, or associate himself with, other licensed undertakings or transfer his undertakings

(1) The licensee shall not, at any time without the previous consent in writing of the 1[Provincial Government], acquire, by purchase or otherwise, the license or the undertaking of, or associate himself so far as the business of supplying energy is concerned with, any person supplying, or intending to supply, energy under any other license, and, before applying for such consent, the licensee shall give not less than one month’s notice of the application to every local authority, both in the licensee’s area of supply and also in the area or district in which such other person supplies, or intends to supply, energy:

Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall be construed to require the consent of the l[Provincial Government] for the supply of energy by one licensee to another in accordance with the provisions of clause IX of the Schedule.

1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G”. 10 2This sub-section has been amended in the Punjab by the Punjab Electricity Act, 1939 (Punjab Act VI of 1939). 11

(2) The licensee shall not at any time assign his license or transfer his undertaking, or any part thereof, by sale, mortgage, lease, exchange or otherwise without the previous consent in writing of the 1[Provincial Government].

(3) Any agreement relating to any transaction of the nature described in sub-section (1) or sub- section (2), unless made with, or subject to such consent as aforesaid, shall be void.

Section 10. General power for Government to vary terms of purchase

Notwithstanding anything in sections 5, 7 and 8, the 1[Provincial Government] may, 2[* * *] ,in any license to be granted under this Act,–

(a) vary the terms and conditions upon which, and the periods on the expiration of which, the licensee shall be bound to sell his undertaking, or

(b) direct that, subject to such conditions and restrictions (if any) as it may think fit to impose, the provisions of the said sections or any of them shall not apply.

Section 11. Annual accounts of licensee

(1) Every licensee shall, unless expressly exempted from the liability by his license, or by order in writing of the 1[Provincial Government], prepare and render to the l[Provincial Government] or to such authority as the l[Provincial Government] may appoint in this behalf, on or before the prescribed date in each year, an annual statement of accounts of his undertaking made up to such date, in such form, and containing such particulars, as may be prescribed in this behalf.

(2) The licensee shall keep copies of such annual statement at his office, and sell the same to any applicant at a price not exceeding five rupees per copy. Works

Section 12. Provisions as to the opening and breaking up of streets, railways and tramways

(1) Any licensee may, from time to time but subject always to the terms and conditions of his license, within the area of supply, or when permitted by the terms of his license to lay down or place electric supply-lines without the area of supply, without that area___

(a) open and break up the soil and payment of any street, railway or tramway;

(b) open and break up any sewer, drain or tunnel in or under any street, railway or tramway;

(c) lay down and place electric supply-lines and other works;

(d) repair, alter or remove the same; and

(e) do all other acts necessary for the due supply of energy,

(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall be deemed to authorize or empower a licensee, without the consent of the local authority or of the owner and occupier concerned, as the case may be, to lay down or place any electric supply-line or other work in, through or against any building, or on, over or under any land not dedicated to public use whereon, where over or where under any electric supply- line or work has not already been lawfully laid down or placed by such licensee:

1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.

2The words “with the previous sanction of the G.G. in C” omitted by the Devoluation Act, 1920 (XXXVIII of 1920), s. 2. and First Sch. 12

Provided that any support of an aerial line or any stay or strut required for the sole purpose of securing in position any support of an aerial line may be fixed on any building or land or, having been so fixed, may be altered, notwithstanding the objection of the owner or occupier of such building or land, if the District Magistrate 1[* * *] by order in writing so directs:

Provided, also, that, if at any time the owner or occupier of any building or land on which any such support, stay or strut has been fixed shows sufficient cause, the District Magistrate 1[* * *] may by order in writing direct any such support, stay or strut to be removed or altered.

(3) When making an order under sub-section (2), the District Magistrate 2[* * *], shall fix the amount of compensation or of annual rent, or of both, which should in his opinion be paid by the licensee to the owner or occupier.

(4) Every order made by a District Magistrate 3[* * *] under sub-section (2) shall be subject to revision by the 4[Provincial Government].

(5) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall be deemed to authorize or empower any licensee to open or break up any street not repairable by 5[the, 6[Federal Government] or the Provincial Government] or a local authority, or any railway or tramway except such streets, railways or tramways (if any), or such parts thereof, as he is specially authorized to break up by his license, without the written consent of the person by whom the street is repairable or of the person for the time being entitled to work the railway or tramway unless with the written consent of the 4[Provincial Government]:

Provided that the 4[Provincial Government] shall not give any such consent as aforesaid, until the licensee has given notice by advertisement or otherwise as the 4[Provincial Government] may direct, and within such period as the 4[Provincial Government] may fix in this behalf, to the person above referred to, and until all representations or objections received in accordance with the notice have been considered by the 4[Provincial Government].

Section 13. Notice of new works

(1) Where the exercise of any of the powers of a licensee in relation to the execution of any works involves the placing of any works in, under, over, along or across any street, part of a street, railway, tramway, canal or waterway, the following provisions shall have effect, namely:___

(a) not less than one month before commencing the execution of the works (not being a service line immediately attached, or intended to be immediately attached, to a distributing main, or the repair, renewal or amendment of existing works of which the character or position is not to be altered), the licensee shall serve upon the person responsible for the repair of the street or part of a street (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the repairing authority”) or upon the person for the time being entitled to work the railway, tramway, canal or waterway (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the owner”),

1The original words “or, in a Presidency-town or Rangoon the Commissioner of Police” as amended by A. O., 1937, were omitted by A. O., 1949. 2The words “or the Commissioner of Police, as the case may be” omitted by A. O., 1949. 3The words “or a Commissioner of Police” omitted ibid.

4Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L G.”.

5Subs. ibid., for “the Govt.”.

6Subs. by F.A.O., 1975 Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”.

as the case may be, a notice in writing describing the proposed works, together with a section and plan thereof on a scale sufficiently large to show clearly the details of the proposed works, and not in any case smaller than one inch to eight feet vertically and sixteen inches to the mile horizontally and intimating the manner in which, and the time at which, it is proposed to interfere with or alter any existing works, and shall, upon being required to do so by the repairing authority or owner, as the case may be, from time to time give such further information in relation thereto as may be desired;

(b) if the repairing authority intimates to the licensee that it disapproves of such works, section or plan, or approves thereof subject to amendment, the licensee may, within one week of receiving such intimation, appeal to the 1[Provincial Government], whose decision, after considering the reasons given by the repairing authority for its action, shall be final;

(c) if the repairing authority fails to give notice in writing of its approval or disapproval to the license within one month, it shall be deemed to have approved of the works, section and plan, and the licensee, after giving not less than forty- eight hours’ notice in writing to the repairing authority, may proceed to carry out the works in accordance with the notice and the section and plan served under clause (a);

(d) if the owner disapproves of such works, section or plan, or approves thereof subject to amendment, he may, within three weeks after the service of the notice under clause (a), serve a requisition upon the licensee demanding that any question in relation to the works or to compensation, or to the obligations of the owner to others in respect thereof, shall be determined by arbitration, and thereupon the matter shall, unless settled by agreement, be determined by arbitration;

(e) where no requisition has been served by the owner upon the licensee under clause (d), within the time named, the owner shall be deemed to have approved of the works, section and plan, and in that case, or where after a requisition for arbitration the matter has been determined by arbitration, the works may, upon payment or securing of compensation, be executed according to the notice and the section and plan, subject to such modifications as may have been determined by arbitration or agreed upon between the parties;

(f) where the works to be executed consist of the laying of any underground service line immediately attached, or intended to be immediately attached, to a distributing main, the licensee shall give to the repairing authority or the owner, as the case may be, not less than forty-eight hours’ notice in writing of his intention to execute such works;

1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”. 14

(g) where the works to be executed consist of the repair, renewal or amendment of existing works of which the character or position is not to be altered, the licensee shall, except in cases of emergency, give to the repairing authority, or to the owner, as the case may be, not less than forty-eight hours’ notice in writing of his intention to execute such works, and, on the expiry of such notice, such works shall be commenced forthwith and shall be carried on with all reasonable despatch, and, if possible, both by day and by night until completed.

(2) Where the licensee makes default in complying with any of these provisions, he shall make full compensation for any loss or damage incurred by reason thereof, and, where any difference or dispute arises as to the amount of such compensation, the matter shall be determined by arbitration.

(3) Notwithstanding anything in this section, the licensee may, in case of emergency due to the breakdown of an underground electric supply-line, after giving notice in writing to the repairing authority or the owner, as the case may be, of his intention to do so, place an aerial line without complying with the provisions of sub-section (1):

Provided that such aerial line shall be used only until the defect in the underground electric supply-line can be made good, and in no case (unless with the written consent of the 1[Provincial Government] for a period exceeding six weeks, and shall be removed as soon as may be after such defect is removed.

Section 14. Alteration of pipes or wires

(1) Any licensee may alter the position of any pipe (not forming, in a case where the licensee is not a local authority, part of a local authority’s main sewer), or of any wire under or over any place which he is authorized to open or break up, if such pipe or wire is likely to interfere with the exercise of his powers under this Act; and any person may alter the position of any electric supply lines or works of a licensee under or over any such place as aforesaid, if such electric supply-lines or works are likely to interfere with the lawful exercise of any powers vested in him.

(2) In any such case as aforesaid the following provisions shall, in the absence of an agreement to the contrary between the parties concerned, apply, namely:___

(a) not less than one month before commencing any alteration, the licensee or other person desiring to make the same (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the operator”) shall serve upon the person for the time being entitled to the pipe, wire, electric supply-lines or works as the case may be (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the owner”), a notice in writing, describing the proposed alteration, together with a section and plan thereof on a scale sufficiently large to show clearly the details of the, proposed works, and not in any case smaller than one inch to eight feet vertically and sixteen inches to the mile horizontally, and intimating the time when it is to be commenced, and shall subsequently give such further information in relation thereto as the owner may desire;

1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”. 15

(b) within fourteen days after the service of the notice, section and plan upon the owner, the owner may serve upon the operator a requisition to the effect that any question arising upon the notice, section or plan shall be determined by arbitration, and thereupon the matter shall, unless settled by agreement, be determined by arbitration;

(c) every arbitrator to whom a reference is made under clause (b) shall have regard to any duties or obligations which the owner is under, and may require the operator to execute any temporary or other works so as to avoid, as far as possible, interference therewith;

(d) where no requisition is served upon the operator under clause (b) within the time named, or where such a requisition has been served and the matter has been settled by agreement or determined by arbitration, the alteration may, upon payment or securing of any compensation accepted or determined by arbitration, be executed in accordance with the notice, section and plan and subject to such modifications as may have been determined by arbitration or agreed upon between the parties.;

(e) the owner may at any time before the operator is entitled to commence the alteration, serve upon the operator a statement in writing to the effect that he desires to execute the alteration himself and requires the operator to give such security for the repayment of any expenses as may be agreed upon or, in default of agreement, determined by arbitration;

(f) where a statement is served upon the operator under clause (e), he shall, not less than forty-eight hours before the execution of the alteration is required to be commenced, furnish such security and serve upon the owner a notice in writing intimating the time when the alteration is required to be commenced, and the manner in which it is required to be made; and thereupon the owner may proceed to execute the alteration as required by the operator;

(g) where the owner declines to comply, or does not, within the time and in the manner prescribed by a notice served upon him under clause (f), comply with the notice, the operator may himself execute the alteration;

(h) all expenses properly incurred by the owner in complying with a notice served upon him by the operator under clause (f) may be recovered by him from the operator.

(3) Where the licensee or other person desiring to make the alteration makes default in complying with any of these provisions, he shall make full compensation for any loss or damage incurred by reason thereof, and, where any difference or dispute arises as to the amount of such compensation, the matter shall be determined by arbitration.

Section 15. Laying of electric supply-lines or other works near sewers, pipes or other electric supply-lines works

(1) Where–

(a) the licensee requires to dig or sink, any trench for laying down any new electric supply-lines or other works, near to which any sewer, drain, water-course or work under the control of the 1[Provincial Government] or of any local authority, or any pipe, syphon, electric supply-line or other work belonging to any duly authorized person, has been lawfully placed, or

(b) any duly authorized person requires to dig or sink any trench for laying down or constructing any new pipes or other works, near to which any electric supply- lines or works of a licensee have been lawfully placed, the licensee or such duly authorized person, as the case may be (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the operator”), shall, unless it is otherwise agreed upon between the parties interested or in case of sudden emergency, give to the 1[Provincial Government] or local authority, or to such duly authorized person or to the licensee, as the case may be (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the owner”), not less than forty-eight hours’ notice in writing before commencing to dig or sink the trench and the owner shall have the right to be present during the execution of the work, which shall be executed to the reasonable satisfaction of the owner.

(2) Where the operator finds it necessary to undermine, but not to alter, the position of any pipe, electric supply-line or work, he shall support it in position during the execution of the work, and before completion shall provide a suitable and proper foundation for it where so undermined.

(3) Where the operator (being the licensee) lays any electric supply-line across, or so as to be liable to touch, any pipes, lines or service-pipes or service-lines belonging to any duly authorized person or to any person supplying, transmitting or using energy under this Act, he shall not, except with the written consent of such person and in accordance with section 34, sub-section (1), lay his electric supply lines so as to come into contact with any such pipes, lines or service pipes or service-

lines.

(4) Where the operator makes default in complying with any of the provisions of this section, he shall make full compensation for any loss or damage incurred by reason thereof.

(5) Where any difference or dispute arises under this, section, the matter shall be determined by arbitration.

(6) Where the licensee is a local authority, the-references in this section to the local authority and to sewers, drains, water courses or works under its control shall not apply.

Section 16. Streets, railways, tramways, sewers, drains or tunnels broken up to be reinstated without delay

(1) Where any person, in exercise of any of the powers conferred by or under this Act, opens or breaks up the soil or pavement of any street, railway or tramway, or any sewer, drain or tunnel, he shall–

(a) immediately cause the part opened or broken up to be fenced and guarded;

(b) before sunset cause a light or lights, sufficient for the warning of passengers, to be set up and maintained until sunrise against or near the part opened or broken up;

lSubs. by A. 0., 1937, for “L, G.”, 17

(c) with all reasonable speed fill in the ground and reinstate and make good the soil or pavement, or the sewer, drain or tunnel, opened or broken up, and carry away the rubbish occasioned by such opening or breaking up ; and

(d) after reinstating and making good the soil or pavement, or the sewer, drain or tunnel broken or opened up, keep the same in good repair for three months and for any further period, not exceeding nine months, during which subsidence continues.

(2) Where any person fails to comply with any of the provisions of sub-section (1), the person having the control or management of the street, railway, tramway, sewer, drain or tunnel in respect of which the default has occurred, may cause to be executed the work which the defaulter has delayed or omitted to execute, and may recover from him the expenses incurred in such execution.

(3) Where any difference or dispute arises as to the amount of the expenses incurred under sub- section (2), the matter shall be determined by arbitration. .

Section 17. Notice to telegraph authority

(1) A licensee shall, before laying down or placing, within ten yards of any part of any telegraph-line, any electric supply-line or other works l[not being either service lines] or electric supply-lines for the repair, renewal or amendment of existing works of which the character or position is not to be altered), give not less than ten days notice in writing to the telegraph-authority, specifying–

(a) the course of the works or alteration proposed,

(b) the manner in which the works are to be utilised,

(c) the amount and nature of the energy to be transmitted, and

(d) the extent to, and manner in, which (if at all) earth returns are to be used; and the licensee shall conform with such reasonable requirements, either general or special, as may be laid down by the telegraph authority within that period for preventing any telegraph-line from being injuriously affected by such works or alterations:

Provided that, in case of emergency (which shall be stated by the licensee in writing to the telegraph-authority) arising from defects in any of the electric supply-lines or other works of the licensee, the licensee shall be required to give only such notice as may be possible after the necessity for the proposed new works or alterations has arisen.

(2) Where the works to be executed consist of the laying 2[or placing] of any 3[*] service line 4[* * *], the licensee shall, not less than forty-eight hours before commencing the work, serve upon the telegraph-authority a notice in writing of his intention to execute such works.

lSubs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 4, for “not being service lines immediately attached or intended to be immediately attacked to a distributing main”.

2Ins. ibid. 19 3The word “underground” omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 4.

4The words “immediately attached, or intended to be immediately attached to a distributing main” omitted ibid.

Section 18. Aerial lines

(1) Save as provided in section 13, sub-section (3), nothing in this Part shall be deemed to authorize or empower a licensee to place any aerial line along or across any street, railway, tramway, canal or waterway unless and until the 1[Provincial Government] has communicated to him a general approval in writing of the methods of construction which he proposes to adopt:

Provided that the communication of such approval shall in no way relieve the licensee of his obligations with respect to any other consent required by or under this Act.

(2) Where any aerial line has been placed or maintained by a licensee in breach of the provisions of sub-section (1), the 1[Provincial Government] may require the licensee forthwith to remove the same, or may cause the same to be removed, and recover from the licensee the expenses incurred in such removal.

2[(3) Where any tree standing or lying near an aerial line, or where any structure or other object which has been placed or has fallen near an aerial line subsequently to the placing of such line, interrupts or interferes with, or is likely to interrupt or interfere with, the conveyance or transmission of energy or the accessibility of any works, a Magistrate of the first class 3[* * *] may, on the application of the licensee, cause the tree, structure or object to be removed or otherwise dealt with, as he thinks fit.]

(4) When disposing of an application under sub-section (3), the Magistrate 4[* * *] shall, in the case of any tree in existence before the placing of the aerial line, award to the person interested in the tree such compensation as he thinks reasonable, and such person may recover the same from the licensee.

5[Explanation.-For the purposes of this section, the expression “tree” shall be deemed to include any shrub, hedge, jungle growth or other plant.]

Section 19. Compensation for damage

(1) A licensee shall, in exercise of any of the powers conferred by or under this Act, cause as little damage, detriment and inconvenience as may be, and shall make full compensation for any damage, detriment or inconvenience caused by him or by any one employed by him.

(2) Save in the case Provided for in Section 12, Sub-section (3), where any difference or dispute arises as to the amount or the application of such compensation, the matter shall be determined by arbitration. Supply

[6] Section 19A. Point where supply is delivered

For the purposes of this Act, the point at which the supply of energy by a licensee to a consumer shall be deemed to commence shall be determined in such manner as may be prescribed.]

1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”

2Subs. by Act I of 1922, s. 5, for the original sub-section (3).

3The original words “or in a Presidency-town or Rangoon, the Commissioner of Police” as amended by A. O., 1937, were omitted by A. O., 1949. 4The words “or Commissioner of Police, as the case may be,” omitted by A. O., 1949. 5Explanation ins. by Act I of 1922, s. 5. 20 6Section 19A ins. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 6.

[1] Section 20. Power for licensee to enter premises and to remove fittings or other apparatus of licensee

(1) A Licensee or any person duly authorised by the licensee may, at any reasonable time, and on informing the occupier of his intention, enter the premises to which energy is or has been, or is to be, supplied by him, for the purpose of–

(a) examining, inspecting and testing the electric supply-lines, meters, maximum demand indicators or other measuring apparatus, electric wires, fittings, works and apparatus for the supply or use of energy, whether belonging to the licensee or to the consumer; or

(b) ascertaining the amount of energy supplied or the electrical quantity contained in the supply or the apparatus; or

(c) removing, where a supply of energy is no longer required, or where the licensee is authorised to take away and cut off such supply, any electric supply-lines, meters, maximum demand indicators or other measuring apparatus, fittings, works or apparatus belonging to the licensee:

Provided that, where a consumer’s apparatus is involved, no person shall be deemed to have been so authorised by the licensee unless, at the time of entry into such premises, he is in possession of a written authorisation from the secretary, manager or any other officer of the licensee not below the rank of a Divisional Officer in the Public Works Department: Provided further that previous permission of the District Magistrate shall be necessary for making such entry into the premises of a domestic consumer.

(2) Where a consumer refuses to allow a licensee or any person authorised as aforesaid to enter his premises in pursuance of the provisions of sub-section (1) or, when such licensee or person has so entered, refuses to allow him to perform any act which he is authorised by that sub-section to perform, or fails to give reasonable facilities for such entry or performance, the licensee may, after the expiry of twenty-four hours from the service of a notice in writing on the consumer, cut off the supply to the consumer for so long as such refusal or failure- continues, but for no longer. ]

Section 21. Restrictions on licensee’s controlling or interfering with use of energy

(1) A licensee shall not be entitled to prescribe any special form of appliance for utilising energy supplied by him, or, save as provided by section 23, sub-section (2), or by section 26, sub-section (7), in any way to control or interfere with the use of such energy:

2[Provided that no person may adopt any form of appliance, or use the energy supplied to him, so as unduly or improperly to interfere with the safety or efficient working of the electric supply-lines or works of the licensee or with the supply by the licensee of energy to any other person:

Provided further that, if the licensee requires a consumer, desiring to use, or using, the energy for running an electric motor excepting single phase motor for domestic use, to install a capacitor therewith, the consumer shall not so use the energy without installing the capacitor to the satisfaction of the licensee who, shall, if so required by the consumer, cause the consumer to be supplied with the capacitor on payment of its cost.]

1Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 3, for the original section 20 which had previously been amended by various enactments.

2Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt) Ordinance 1979 (LXII of 1979) s. 4, for the original Proviso.

1[(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), a licensee may, with the previous sanction of the 2[Provincial Government], given-after consulting the local authority, where the licensee is not the local authority, make conditions not inconsistent with this Act or with his license or with any rules made under this Act, to regulate his relations with persons who are or intend to become consumers, and may, with the like sanction given after the like consultation add to or alter or amend any such conditions; and any conditions made by a licensee without such sanction shall be null and void:

Provided that any such conditions made before the 23rd day of January 1922 shall, if sanctioned by the 2[Provincial Government] on application made by the licensee before such date as the l[Provincial Government] may, by general or special order, fix in this behalf, be deemed to have been made in accordance with the provisions of this sub-section.

(3) The 2[Provincial Government] may, after the like consultation, cancel any condition or part of a condition previously sanctioned under sub- section (2) after giving to the licensee not less than one month’s notice in writing of its intention so to do.]

3[(4)] Where any difference or dispute arises as to whether a licensee has prescribed any appliance or controlled or interfered with the use of energy in contravention of sub-section (1), the matter shall be either referred to an Electric Inspector, and decided by him or, if the licensee or consumer so desires, determined by arbitration.

Section 22. Obligation on licensee to supply energy

Where energy is supplied by a licensee, every person within the area of supply shall, except in so far as is otherwise provided by the terms and conditions of the license, be entitled, on application, to a supply on the same terms as those on which any other person in the same area is entitled in similar circumstances to a corresponding supply:

Provided that no person shall be entitled to demand, or to continue to receive, from a licensee a supply of energy for any premises having a separate supply unless he has agreed with the licensee to pay to him such minimum annual sum as will give him a reasonable return on the capital expenditure, and will cover other standing charges incurred by him in order to meet the possible maximum demand for those premises, the sum payable to be determined in case of difference or dispute by arbitration.

Section 23. Charges for energy to be made without undue preference

(1) A licensee shall not, in making any agreement for the supply of energy, show undue preference to any person, but may, save as aforesaid, make such charges for the supply of energy as may be agreed upon, not exceeding the limits imposed by his license.

(2) No consumer shall, except with the consent in writing of the licensee, use energy supplied to him under one method of charging in a manner for which a higher method of charging is in force.

4[(3) In the absence of an agreement to the contrary, a licensee may charge for energy supplied by him to any consumer–

(a) by the actual amount of energy so supplied, or

(b) by the electrical quantity contained in the supply, or

1Sub. sections (2) and (3) ins. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922) s. 8.

2Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”. 22 3The original sub-section (2) was re-numbered as sub-section (4) by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922, (I of 1922) s. 8.

4Sub-sections (3) and (4) ins. ibid., s. 9. 23

(c) by such other method as may be approved by the l[Provincial Government].

(4) Any charges made by a licensee under clause (c) of sub-section (3) may be based upon, and vary in accordance with, any one or more of the following considerations, namely:___

(a) the consumer’s load factor, or

(b) the power factor of his load, or

(c) his total consumption of energy during any stated period, or

(d) the hours at which the supply of energy is required.]

[2] Section 24. Discontinuance of supply to consumer neglecting to pay charge

(1) where any consumer neglects to pay any charge for energy or any sum, other than a charge for energy, assessed against him by a licensee in respect of supply of energy to his premises, the licensee may after giving not less than seven clear days’ notice in writing to such consumer and without prejudice to his right to recover such charge or other sum by suit or otherwise, cut off the supply and for that purpose cut or disconnect any electric supply-line or other works, being the property of the licensee, through which energy may be supplied to such premises or to any other premises, other than domestic premises, running distinctly in the name of such consumer, and may discontinue the supply until such charge or other sum, together with any expenses incurred by him in cutting off and reconnecting the supply and the minimum charges on account of continued reservation of supply during the period of such discontinuance, are paid, but not loger.

(2) Where any difference or dispute as to any matter connected with any charge or other sum included in the bill of a licensee has been referred by a consumer under this Act to an Electric Inspector before the notice as aforesaid has been given by the licensee, the licensee shall not exercise the powers conferred by sub-section (1) until the Inspector has given his decision:

Provided that the prohibition contained in this sub-section shall not apply in any case in which the licensee has made a request in writing to the consumer for a deposit with the licensee of the undisputed charges and other sums and with the Electric Inspector of fifty per cent of the disputed charges and other sums and for the deposit with the licensee of further charges for supply of energy, as they accrue, and the consumer has failed to comply with such request with in a period of fifteen days from the date of such request or, as the case may be, from the date of receipt of bills in respect of further charges for supply of energy.]

Section 25. Exemption of electric supply lines or other apparatus from attachment in certain cases

Where any electric supply-lines, meters, fittings, works or apparatus belonging to a licensee are placed in or upon any premises, not being in the possession of the licensee, for the purpose of supplying energy, such electric supply-lines, meters, fittings, works and apparatus shall not be liable to be taken in execution under any process of any Civil Court or in any proceedings in insolvency against the person in whose possession the same may be. .

1Subs. by A. O.,1937, for “L. G.”.

2Subs. by the the Electricity (Amdt). Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 5, which has previously been amended by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922, (I of 1922), s. 10. 24

Section 26. Meters

(1) In the absence of an agreement to the contrary, the amount of energy supplied to a consumer or the electrical quantity contained in the supply shall be ascertained by means of a correct meter, 1[, maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] and the licensee shall, if required by the consumer, cause the consumer to be supplied with such a meter 1[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus]:

Provided that the licensee may require the consumer to give him security for the price of a meter 1[, maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] and enter into an agreement for the hire thereof, unless the consumer elects to purchase a meter 1[, maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus].

(2) Where the consumer so enters into an agreement for the hire of a meter 1[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] the licensee shall keep the meter 1[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] correct, and, in default of his doing so, the consumer shall, for so long as the default continues, cease to be liable to pay for the hire of the meter 1[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus].

(3) Where the meter 1[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] is the property of the consumer, he shall keep the meter 1[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] correct, and, in default of his doing so, the licensee may, after giving him seven days’ notice, for so long as the default continues, cease to supply energy through the meter l[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus].

(4) The licensee or any person dilly authorized by the licensee shall, at any reasonable time and on informing the consumer of his intention, have access to, and be at liberty to inspect and test, and for that purpose, if he thinks fit, take off and remove, any meter referred to in sub-section (1) ; and, except where the meter 1[, maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] is so hired as aforesaid, all reasonable expenses of, and incidental to, such inspecting, testing, taking off and removing shall, if the meter 1[, maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] is found to be otherwise than correct, be recovered from the consumer; and, where any difference or dispute arises as to the amount of such reasonable expenses, the matter shall be referred to an Electric Inspector, and the decision of such Inspector shall be final:

Provided that the licensee shall not be at liberty to take off or remove any such meter 1[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus]if any difference or dispute of the nature described in sub-section (6) has arisen until the matter has been determined as therein provided.

(5) A consumer shall not connect any meter 1[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] referred to in sub-section (1) with any electric supply-line through which energy is supplied by a licensee, or disconnect the same from any such electric supply-line, without 2[obtaining the consent of the licensee in writing which shall not be un-reasonably withheld by the licensee].

3[(5A) A consumer shall not injure any meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus, or alter their indexes or prevent them from duly registering the amount of energy supplied or the electrical quantity contained in the supply.]

1Ins. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 6. 25

2Subs. ibid., for “giving to the licensee not less than forty-eight hours notice in writing of his intention.” 3New sub-section (5A) ins. ibid.,

1[(6) Where any difference or dispute arises between a licensee and a consumer as to whether any meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus is or is not correct the matter shall be decided, upon the application of either party, by an Electric Inspector, within a period of ninety days from the date of receipt of such application, after affording the parties an opportunity of being heard, and where the meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus has, in the opinion of the Electric Inspector, ceased to be correct, the Electric Inspector shall estimate the amount of energy supplied to the consumer or the electrical quantity contained in the supply, during such time as the meter, indicator or apparatus has not, in the opinion of the Electric Inspector, been correct; and, where the Electric Inspector, fails to decide the matter of difference or dispute within the said period or where either the licensee or the consumer decline to accept the decision of the Electric Inspector, the matter shall be referred to the Provincial Government whose decision shall be final:

Provided that, before either a licensee or a consumer applies to the Electric Inspector under this sub-section, he shall give to the other party not less than seven days’ notice of his intention so to do.]

(7) In addition to any meter 2[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] which may be placed upon the premises of a consumer in pursuance of the provisions of sub-section (1), the licensee may place upon such 2[other] premises such meter, maximum demand indicator or other apparatus as he may think fit for the purpose of ascertaining or regulating either the amount of energy supplied to the consumer, or the number of hours during which the supply is given, or the rate per unit of time at which energy is supplied to the consumer, or any other quantity or time connected with the supply:

Provided that the meter, indicator or apparatus shall not, in the absence of an agreement to the contrary, be placed otherwise than between the distributing mains of the licensee and any meter referred to in sub-section (1):

Provided, also, that, where the charges for the supply of energy depend wholly or partly upon the reading or indication of any such meter, indicator or apparatus as aforesaid, the licensee shall, in the absence of an agreement to the contrary, keep the meter, indicator or apparatus correct; and the provisions of subsections (4), (5) 2[, 5A] and (6) shall in that case apply as though the meter, indicator or apparatus were a meter referred to in sub-section (1).

Explanation.-A meter shall be deemed to be “correct” if it registers the amount of energy supplied, or the electrical quantity contained in the supply, within the prescribed limits of error, and a maximum demand indicator or other apparatus 3[* * *] shall be deemed to be “correct” if it complies with such conditions as may be prescribed in the case of any such indicator or other apparatus.

[4] Section 26A. Dishonest abstraction or consumption of energy

Notwithstanding anything contained in section 23, the licensee may charge the consumer on the basis of one or more of the following considerations for the amount of energy deemed to have been dishonestly abstracted, consumed or used, for the period during which the meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus had, in the opinion of the licensee, remained connected, disconnected, injured, altered or prevented from registering the amount of energy supplied or the electrical quantity contained in the supply:__

1Subs. ibid., for the original sub-section (6), which had been amended by A. O., 1937, and Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 11. 26

2Ins. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s.6 3The words “referred to in sub-section (7)” omitted ibid., s. 6.

4New section 26A ins. ibid., s. 7. 27

(a) consumer’s connected load or maximum demand in kilowatt during any period;

(b) consumer’s maximum consumption of energy in kilowatt hours during any period;

(c) consumer’s load factor;

(d) the power factor of consumer’s load;

(e) the hours and the time for which the energy is deemed to have been abstracted, consumed or used by the consumer ; and

(f) the purpose for which the energy is deemed to have been abstracted, consumed or used by the consumer.]

Section 27. Supply of energy outside area of supply

Notwithstanding anything in this Act, the l[Provincial Government] may, by order in writing, and subject to such conditions and restrictions, if any, as it thinks fit to impose, authorize any licensee to supply energy to any person outside the area of supply, and to lay down or place electric supply-lines for that purpose:

Provided, first, that no such authority shall be conferred on the licensee within the area of supply of another licensee without that licensee’s consent, unless the l[Provincial Government] considers that his consent has been unreasonably withheld:

Provided, secondly, that such authority shall not be conferred unless the person to whom the supply is to be given has entered into a specific agreement with the licensee for the taking of such supply:

Provided, thirdly, that a licensee on whom such authority has been conferred shall not be deemed to be empowered outside the area of supply to open or break up any street, or any sewer, drain or tunnel in or under any street, railway or tramway, or to interfere with any telegraph-line, without the written consent of the local authority or person by whom such street, sewer, drain or tunnel is repairable, or of the telegraph-authority, as the case may be, 2[unless the 1[Provincial Government], after such inquiry as it thinks fit, considers that such consent has been unreasonably withheld] :

Provided, fourthly, that, save as aforesaid, the provisions of this Act shall apply in the case of any supply authorized under this section as if the said supply were made within the area of supply.

PART III

SUPPLY, TRANSMISSION AND USE OF ENERGY BY NON-LICENSEES

Section 28. Sanction required by non-licensees in certain cases

(1) No person, other than a licensee, shall engage in the business of supplying energy except with the previous sanction of the l[Provincial Government] and in accordance with such conditions as the 1[Provincial Government] may fix in this behalf, and any agreement to the contrary shall be void:

3[* * * * * * *]

1Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “L.G.”

2Ins. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act 1922 (I of 1922), s. 12. 28 3The first proviso omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1921), s. 13.

Provided 2[*] that such sanction shall not be given within the area for which a local authority is constituted, without that local authority’s consent, or within the area of supply of any licensee, without that licensee’s consent, unlesss the l[Provincial Government] considers that consent has been unreasonably withheld.

(2) Where any difference or dispute arises as to whether any person is or is not engaging, or about to engage, in the business of supplying energy within the meaning of sub-section (1), the matter shall be referred to the l[Provincial Government], and the decision of the l[Provincial Government] thereon shall be final.

Section 29. Power for non-licensees to break up streets

(1) The local authority may, by order in writing, confer and impose upon any person, who has obtained the sanction of the l[Provincial Government] under section 28 to engage in the business of supplying energy, all or any of the powers and liabilities of a licensee under sections 12 to 19, both inclusive, and the provisions of the said sections shall thereupon apply as if such person were a licensee under Part II.

(2) A local authority, not being a licensee, shall, for the purpose of lighting any street, have the powers and be subject to the liabilities respectively conferred and imposed by sections 12 to 19, both inclusive, so far as applicable, as if it were a licensee under Part II.

(3) In cases other than those for which provision is made by sub-section (1), the person responsible for the repair of any street may, by order in writing, confer and impose upon any person who proposes to transmit energy in such street all or any of the powers and liabilities of a licensee under sections 12 to 19 (both inclusive), in so far as the same relate to_

(a) opening or breaking up of the soil or pavement of such street, or

(b) laying down or placing electric supply-lines in, under, along or across such street, or

(c) repairing, altering or removing such electric supply lines, and thereupon the provisions of the said sections shall, so far as aforesaid, apply to such person as if he were a licensee under Part II.

(4) If no order is made within fourteen days after the receipt of an application for the same under sub-section (1) or sub-section (3), the order so applied for shall be deemed to have been refused, and every order, and every refusal to make an order, under sub-section (1) or sub-section (3), shall be subject to revision by the l[Provincial Government].

[3] Section 29A. Application of section 18 to aerial lines maintained by railways

The provisions of sub-section (3) and (4) of section 18 and of the Explanation thereto shall apply in the case of any aerial line placed by any railway administration as defined in section 3 of the Railways Act, 1890 (IX of 1890), as if references therein to the licensee were references to the railway administration.]

Section 30. Control of transmission and use of energy

(1) No person, other than a licensee duly authorized under the terms of his license, shall transmit or use energy at a rate exceeding two hundred and fifty watts,___

1Subs. by A. O., 1937 for “L. G.”.

2The word “also” omitted ibid. 29

3S. 29A ins. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1923 (XL of 1923), s. 2.

(a) in any street, or

(b) in any place,

(i) in which one hundred or more persons are likely ordinarily to be assembled, or

(ii) which is a factory within the meaning of 1[Factories Act, 1934(XXV of 1934)], or

(iii) which is a mine within the meaning of the 2[Mines Act, 1923 (IV of 1923)] 3[or 3(iv) to which the 4[Provincial Government], by general or special order, declares the provisions of this sub-section to apply,]

without giving not less than seven clear days’ notice in writing of his intention to the District Magistrate, 5[* * *] and complying with such of the provisions of Part IV, and of the rules made there under, as may be applicable:

Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to energy used for the public carriage of passengers, animals or goods on, or for the lighting or ventilation of the rolling-stock of, any railway or tramway subject to the provisions of the Railways Act, 1890 (IX of 1890):

Provided, also that the 4[Provincial Government] may, by general or special order and subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be specified therein, exempt from the application of this section or of any such provision or rule as aforesaid any person or class of persons using energy on premises upon or in connection with which it is generated, or using energy supplied under Part II in any place specified in clause (b).

(2) Where any difference or dispute arises as to whether a place is or is not one in which one hundred or more persons are likely ordinarily to be assembled, the matter shall be referred to the 4[Provincial Government], and the decision of the 4[Provincial Government] thereon shall be final.

(3) The provisions of this section shall be binding on the 6[Government]. PATR IV

GENERAL

Protective Clauses

1Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and Second Sch., for “Indian Factories Act, 1911”.

2Subs. ibid for “Indian Mines Act, 1901”.

3The word “or” and sub-clause (iv) ins. by Act I of 1922 s. 14.

4Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.

5The original words “or in a Presidency-town or Rangoon to the Commissioner of Police” as amended by A. O., 1937, were omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act. 1951 (XXVI of 1951), s. 3 and Second Sch. 30

6Subs. by A. O., 1961, Art. 2, for “Crown” (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).

Section 31. Protection of railways and canals, docks, wharves and piers

No person shall, in the generation, transmission, supply or use of energy, in any way injure any railway, tramway, canal or waterway or any dock, wharf or pier vested in or controlled by a local authority, or obstruct or interfere with the traffic on any railway, tramway, canal or water-way.

Section 32. Protection of telegraphic, telephonic and electric signaling lines

(1) Every person generating, transmitting, supplying or using energy (hereinafter in this section referred to as the) operator’ shall take all reasonable precautions in constructing, laying down and placing his electric supply-lines and other works and in working his system, so as not injuriously to affect, whether by induction, or otherwise the working of any wire or line used for the purpose of telegraphic, telephonic, or electric signalling communication, or the currents in such wire or line.

(2) Where any difference or dispute arises between the operator and the telegraph-authority as to whether the operator has constructed, laid down or placed his electric supply-lines or other works, or worked his system, in contravention of sub-section (1), or as to whether the working of any wire, line or current is or is not injuriously affected thereby, the matter shall be referred to 1[the 2[Federal Government] ; and 1[the 2[Federal Government]; unless 3[it] is of opinion that the wire or line has been placed in unreasonable proximity to the electric supply-lines or works of the operator after the construction of such lines or works, may direct the operator to make such alterations in, or additions to, his system as may be necessary in order to comply with the provisions of this section, and the operator shall make such alterations or additions accordingly:

Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to the repair, renewal or amendment of any electric supply-line so long as the course of the electric supply-line and the amount and nature of the energy transmitted thereby are not altered.

(3) Where the operator makes default in complying with the requirements of, this section, he shall make full compensation for any loss or damage incurred by reason thereof, and, where any difference or dispute arises as to the amount of such compensation, the matter shall be determined by arbitration.

Explanation.-For the purposes of this section, a telegraph line shall be deemed to be injuriously affected if telegraphic, telephonic or electric signaling communication by means of such line is, whether through induction or otherwise prejudicially interfered with by an electric supply line or work or by any use made thereof.

Section 33. Notice of accidents and inquiries

4[(1) If any accident occurs in connection with the generation, transmission, supply or use of energy in, or in connection with, any part of the electric supply-lines or other works of any person, and the accident results or is likely to have resulted in loss of life or personal injury, such person shall give notice of the occurrence, and of any loss of life or personal injury actually occasioned by, the accident, in such form and within such time and to such authorities as the 5[Provincial Government] may, by general or special older, direct.]

(2) The 2[Provincial Government] may, if it thinks fit, require any Electric Inspector, or any other competent person appointed by it in this behalf, to inquire and report__

1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “the L. G.”, which had been subs. for “G. G. in C.” by the Devolution Act, 1920 (XXXVIII of 1920), s. 2 and First Sch.

2Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”.

3Subs. by Act XXXVIII of 1920, s. 2 and First Sch for “he”. 31

4Subs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922),: s. 15, for the original sub-section (1).

5Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.

(a) as to the cause of any accident affecting the safety of the public, which may have been occasioned by, or in connection with the generation, transmission, supply or use of energy, or

(b) as to the manner in, and extent to, which the provisions of this Act or of any license or rules thereunder, so far as those provisions affect the safety of any person, have been complied with.

Section 34. Prohibition of connection with earth, and power for Government to interfere in certain cases of default

(1) No person shall, in the generation, transmission supply or use of energy, permit any part of his electric supply-lines to be connected with earth except so far as may be prescribed in this behalf or may be specially sanctioned by the 1[Provincial Government.]

(2) If at any time it is established to the satisfaction of the 1[Provincial Government]___

(a) that any part of an electric supply-line is connected with earth contrary to the provisions of sub-section (1), or

(b) that any electric supply-lines or other works for the generation, transmission, supply or use of energy are attended with danger to the public safety or to human life or injuriously affect any telegraph-line, or

(c) that any electric supply-lines or other works are defective so as not to be in accordance with the provisions of this Act or of any rule thereunder,

1[Provincial Government] may, by order in writing, specify the matter complained of and require the owner or user of such electric supply-lines or other works to remedy it in such manner as shall be specified in the order, and may also in like manner forbid the use of any electric supply-line or works until the older is complied with or for such time as is specified in the order. Administration and Rules

Section 35. Advisory Boards

(1) The 2[* * *] l[Provincial Government] may, for the whole or any part of the Province, by notification in the 3[official] Gazette], 4[* * *], constitute an Advisory Board.

(2) 5[The Board] shall consist of a chairman and not less than two other members.

6[* * * * * * *]

7[(3) 8[The Provincial Government] may, by general or special order,–

1Subs. ibid., for the words “Local Government” which had been subs., for “Governor General in Council” by the Devolution Act, 1920 (XXXVIII of 1920), s. 2 and First Sch. 32 2The words “Central Government may, for the whole or any part of Pakistan and each” as amended by A. O., 1937, A. O., 1949, and the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (XXI of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.(with effect from the 14th October, 1955), have been omitted by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch.

3Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Gazette of India”.

4The words “or the local official Gazette, as the case may be” omitted, ibid.

5Subs. by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch. for “Every such Board”.

6Sub-section (3) omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 16. 7The original sub-section (4) was re-numbered as sub-section (3), ibid. 8The original words “The G.G. in C. or the L.G. as the case may be have successivly been amended by A.O., 1937 and A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., to read as above.

1[(a) determine the number of members of which 2[the Board] shall be constituted and the manner in which such members shall be appointed,] 1[(b)] define the duties and regulate the procedure of 2[the Board], 1[(e)] determine the tenure of office of the members of 2[the Board], and 1[(d)] give directions as to the payment of fees to, and the travelling expenses incurred by, any member of 2[the Board] in the performance of his duty.

Section 36. Appointment of Electric Inspectors

3[* * * * * * *]

(2) The 4[Provincial Government) may, by notification in the 5[official Gazette], appoint duly qualified persons to be Electric Inspectors within such areas as may be assigned to them respectively; and every Inspector so appointed shall 6[* * *] exercise the powers and perform the functions of an Electric Inspector under this Act subject to such restrictions as the 4[Provincial Government] may direct.

(3) In the absence of express provision to the contrary in this Act, or any rule thereunder, an appeal shall lie from the decision of an Electric Inspector to the 7[Provincial Government] or, if the Provincial Government, by general or special order, so directs, to the Advisory Board].

[8] Section 36A. Electricity Board

9[(1) A Board to be called the Federal Electricity Board shall be constituted to exercise the powers conferred by section 37.

(2) The Federal Electricity Board shall consist of the following members, namely:___

(a) a Chairman to be nominated by the Federal Government;

(b) one member each to be nominated by the Provincial Governments of the Punjab, North-West Frontier Province, Sind and Baluchistan;

(c) one member to be nominated by the Federal Government for Islamabad Capital Territory; and

(d) one member to be nominated by the Chairman of the Railway Board:

Provided that if at any time it seems fit to do so the Federal Government may appoint not more than two additional members.]

1Clauses (a), (b) and (c) were re-lettered as clauses (b), (c) and (d) respectively, by Act I of 1922, s. 16.

2Subs. by A.O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch. for “any such Board”.

3The original sub-section (1) as amended by A. O., 1937, has been omitted by A.O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch.

4Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.

5Subs. ibid., for “local official Gazette”.

6The words “except in relation to mines, oil-fields and railways” which were ins. by A. O., 1937, have been omitted by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch.

7Subs. by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for certain original words as amended by A. O., 1937 and the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922) s.

17. 8Section 36A ins. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1937 (X of 1937), s. 3.

9Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and Second Sch., for sub-sections (1) and (2) which had been

amended by various enactments from time to time.

(3) Any vacancy occurring in the Board 1[* * *], shall be filled as soon as may be by a nomination made by the authority by whom the member vacating office was nominated.

(4) The Board shall have full power to regulate by by-laws or otherwise its own procedure and the conduct of all business to be transacted by it.

(5) The powers of the 2[Federal Electricity Board] may be exercised notwithstanding any vacancy in the Board.]

Section 37. Power for Board to make rules

(1) The 3[Federal Electricity Board may make rules] to regulate the generation transmission, supply and use of energy and, generally, to carry out the purposes and objects of this Act.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may___

(a) prescribe the form of applications for licenses and the payments to be made in respect thereof;

(b) regulate the publication of notices;

(c) prescribe the manner in which objections with reference to any application under Part II are to be made;

(d) provide for the preparation and submission of accounts by licensees in a specified form;

(e) provide for the securing of a regular, constant and sufficient supply of energy by licensees to consumers and for the testing at various parts of the system of the regularity and sufficiency of such supply and for the examination of the records of such tests by consumers;

(f) provide for the protection of persons and property from injury by reason of contact with, or the proximity of, or by reason of the defective or dangerous condition of, any appliance or apparatus used in the generation, transmission, supply or use of energy;

(g) for the purposes of electric traction regulate the employment of insulated returns, or of uninsulated metallic returns of low resistance, in order to prevent fusion or injurious electrolytic action of or on metallic pipes, structures or substances, and to minimise, as far as is reasonably practicable, injurious interference with the electric wires, supply-lines and apparatus of parties other than the owners of the electric traction system, or with the currents therein, whether the earth is used as a return or not; 1The words “otherwise than by the expiry of the term of office of the member referred to in clause (e) of sub-section (2)” omitted by Ordinance XXI of 1960, s. 3 and 2nd Sch., (with effect from the 14th October, 1955).

2Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 s. 3, and Second Sch., for “Electricity Board” which had been amended by A.

O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch.

3Subs. by Ord. XXVII of 1981, s. 3 and Second Schedule for “Electricity Board may make rules for the whole of the Province or any part thereof” which had been amended by Act X of 1937, s. 4, A. O., 1949 and A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., to read as above.

See the Indian Electricity Rules, 1937, published with the Notification of the G. of 1. (Indurstries and Labour Department), No. F. 601, dated the 27th March, 1937. These rules, though made by the G.G. in C., are to be deemed to have been made by the Central Electricity Board: see the Rules and Regulations Continuance Act, 1937 (XXIV of 1937). 35

(h) provide for preventing telegraph-lines and magnetic observatories or laboratories from being injuriously affected by the generation, transmission, supply or use of energy;

(i) prescribe the qualifications to be required of Electric Inspectors;

(j) authorize any Electric Inspector or other officer of a specified rank and class to enter, inspect and examine any place, carriage or vessel in which he has reason to believe any appliance or apparatus used in the generation, transmission, supply or use of energy to be, and to carry out tests therein, and to prescribe the facilities to be given to such inspectors or officers for the purposes of such examinations and tests; 1[*]

(k) authorize and regulate the levy of fees for any such testing or inspection and, generally, for the services of Electric Inspectors under this Act; 2[and 2(l) provide for any matter which is to be or may be prescribed.

2(3) Any rules made in pursuance of clause (f) or clause (h) of sub-section (2) shall be binding on the 3[Government]].

4[(4)] In making any rule under this Act the 5[Federal Electricity Board] may direct that every breach thereof shall be punishable with fine which may extend to three hundred rupees, and, in the case of a continuing breach with a further daily fine which may extend to fifty rupees.

Section 38. Further provisions respecting rules

(1) The power to make rules under section 37 shall be subject to the condition of the rules being made after previous publication.

(2) The date to be specified in accordance with clause (3) of section 23 of the General Clauses Act, 1897 (X of 1897) , as that after which a draft of rules proposed to be made under section 37 will be taken into consideration shall not be less than three months from the date on which the draft of the proposed rules was published for general information.

6[* * * * * * *]

7[(3)] All rules made under section 37 shall be published in the 8[official Gazette] and on such publication shall have effect as if enacted in this Act. Criminal Offences and Procedure

1The word “and” omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 18. 2The word “and” clause (1) and sub-section (3) ins., ibid.

3Subs. by A. O., 1961, Art. 2 for “Crown” (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).

4Sub-section (3) was re-numbered as sub-section (4), by Act I of 1922, s. 18.

5Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981, s. 3 and Second Sch., for “Electricity Board” which had been

amended by A. O., 1964 Art 2 and Sch. and Act 10 of 1937, s. 4. 36 6Sub-section (3) omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act., 1937 (X of 1937), s. 5.

7The original sub-section (4) was re-numbered as sub-section (3), ibid.

8Subs. by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for “Gazette of Pakistan which had been subs. by A. O., 1949, for “Gazette of India”.

[1] Section 39. Theft of energy

(1) Whoever dishonestly abstracts, consumes or uses energy shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three ears or with fine which may extend to 2[five million] rupees, or with both; and the existence of any device, contrivance or artificial means for such abstraction, consumption or use shall be prima facie evidence of such abstraction, consumption for use.

(2) Whoever abets, or conspires in, the commission of acts mentioned in sub-section (1) shall be deemed to have committed an offence under sub-section (1).

Explanation.-A person shall be deemed to have dishonestly abstracted, consumed or used energy–

(a) if he is found to have tampered or interferred with the set order of wiring connections of any meter, measuring apparatus, including kilowatt meter, kilowatt hour meter, kilovolt ampere hour meter, kilovolt ampere reactive hour meter, current transformers, potential tranformers or their respective fuses, installed by the licensee for the supply and registration of energy; or

(b) if he is found to have prevented by drilling hole in the casing covering or glass, or by jamming the mechanism by mechanical, magnetic or by any other means, any meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus from duly registering the amount of energy supplied or the electrical quantity contained in the supply; or

(c) if he is found, without written consent of the licensee, to have connected his installations, appliances and apparatus for the consumption or use of energy with the licensee’s works directly without passing through a meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus.]

[3] Section 39A. Penalty for installation of artificial means, etc

(1) Whoever installs or uses any device, contrivance or artificial means for dishonest abstraction, consumption or use of energy of a licensee, whether he derives any benefit therefrom or not, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to 4[five million] rupees, or with both; and if it is proved that any device, contrivance or artificial means for such abstraction, consumption or use exists or has existed on a premises, it shall be presumed, unless the contrary is proved, that such person has committed an offence under this sub-section.

(2) Whoever abets, or conspires in, the commission of any act mentioned in sub-section (1) shall be deemed to have committed an offence under that sub-section.

Explanation.___ In this section, “artificial means” includes–

(a) making of direct electrical connection from the aerial line through artificial jumper;

1Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance. 1979, (LXII of 1979) s. 8, for section 39.

2Subs. by Ord. XV of 1999.s.2. 37 3Section 39-A ins. by the Electricity (Amdt) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979) s.9 This section has been substituted an its application to Provinces of the Punjab, N.W.F.P, Sind and Baluchistan s. 10.

4Subs.by Ord. XV of 1999, s.3.38

(b) making of direct electrical connection from transformers, cable, meter’s main terminals and from consumer’s installations through artificial wiring;

(c) disconnecting the potential link from the meter terminals by means of a plier, screw driver, cutter or any other instrument;

(d) breaking the glass cover of a meter or drilling hole in the casing or covering of a meter by any means;

(e) stopping or slowing the revolutions of a meter disc by artificial magnet; and

(f) stopping or slowing or reversing the revolutions of the meter disc by changing the phase sequence of meter through artificial electrical circuit.]

Section 40. Penalty for maliciously wasting energy or injuring works

Whoever maliciously causes energy to be wasted or diverted or, with intent to cut off the supply of energy, cuts or injures, or attempts to cut or injure, any electric supply-line or works, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with

both.

Section 41. Penalty for unauthorized supply of energy by non-licensees

Whoever, in contravention of the provisions of section 28, engages in the business of supplying energy shall be punishable with fine which may extend to three thousand rupees, and, in the case of a continuing contravention, with a daily fine which may by extend to three hundred rupees.

Section 42. Penalty for illegal or defective supply or for non-compliance with order

Whoever–

(a) being a licensee, save as permitted under section 27 or section 51 or by his license, supplies energy or lays down or places any electric supply-line or works outside the area of supply; or

(b) being a licensee, in contravention of the provisions of this Act or of the rules thereunder or in breach of the conditions of his license and without reasonable excuse, the burden of proving which shall lie on him, discontinues the supply of energy or fails to supply energy; or

(c) makes default in complying with any order issued to him under section 34, sub- section (2); shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, and, in the case of a continuing offence or default, with a daily fine which may extend to one hundred rupees.

Section 43. Penalty for illegal transmission or use of energy

Whoever, in contravention of the provisions of section 30, transmits or uses energy without giving the notice required thereby, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, and, in the case of a continuing offence, with a daily fine which may extend to fifty rupees.

[1] Section 44. Penalty for interference with meters or licensee’s works and for improper use of energy

Whoever–

1Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 11. for section 44. 39

(a) connects any meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus referred to in section 26, with any electric supply-line through which energy is supplied by a licensee, or disconnects the same from any such electric supply- line without the licensee’s consent in writing; or

(b) lays, or causes to be laid, or connects up any works for the purpose of communicating with any other works belonging to a licensee, without such licensee’s consent in writing; or

(c) uses the energy supplied to him by a licensee under one method of charging in a manner for which a higher method of charging is in force without the licensee’s consent in writing, or adopts any appliance or uses energy supplied to him by a licensee in a manner prejudicial to the safety or efficient working of the licensee’s electric supply-line or works, or deals with it in a manner so as to interfere with the efficient supply of energy by the licensee to any other person ; shall be punishable with fine which may extend to 1[five million] rupees, and, in the case of a continuing offence, with a daily fine which may extend to1[five thousand] rupees; and if it is proved that any artificial means exist or have existed for making such connection as is referred to in clause (a), or such communication as is referred to in clause (b), or for facilitating such improper use of energy as is referred to in clause (c), and that the meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus is under the custody or control of the consumer, whether it is his property or not, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved, that such connection, communication or improper use, as the case may be, has been knowingly and wilfully caused by such consumer.]

Section 45. Penalty for extinguishing public lamps

Whoever maliciously extinguishes any public lamp shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to three hundred rupees, or with both.

Section 46. Penalty for negligently wasting energy or injuring works

Whoever negligently causes energy to be wasted or diverted, or negligently breaks, throws down or damages any electric supply- line, post, pole or lamp or other apparatus connected with the supply of energy, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees.

Section 47. Penalty for offences not otherwise provided for

Whoever, in any case not already

provided for by sections 39 to 46 (both inclusive), makes default in complying with any of the provisions of this Act, or with any order issued under it, or, in the case of a licensee, with any of the conditions of his license, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees, and, in the case of a continuing default, with a daily fine which may extend to twenty rupees:

Provided that, where a person has made default in complying with any of the provisions of sections 13, 14, 15, 17 and 32, as the case may be, he shall not be so punishable if the Court is of opinion that the case was one of emergency, and that the offender complied with the said provisions as far as was reasonable in the circumstances.

1Subs. by Ord. XV of 1999, s.4. 40

Section 48. Penalties not to affect other liabilities

The penalties imposed by sections 39 to 47 (both inclusive) shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, any liability in respect of the payment of compensation or, in the case of a licensee, the revocation of his license, l[or the payment of penalty in lieu thereof, ] which the offender may have incurred.

Section 49. Penalties where works belong to Government

The provisions of section 39, 40, 44, 45 and 46 shall, so far as they are applicable, be deemed to apply also when the acts made punishable thereunder are committed in the case of energy supplied by, or of works belonging to, 2[the 3[Federal Government ]or any Provincial Government].

Section 50. Institution of prosecutions

No prosecution shall be instituted against any person for any offence against this Act or any rule, license or order thereunder, except at the instance of the Government or an Electric Inspector, or of a person aggrieved by the same.

[4] Section 50A. Cognizance of offences, etc

(1) No court inferior to that of a Magistrate of the first class shall try an offence punishable under this Act.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 32 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), it shall be lawful for any Magistrate of the first class to pass any sentence authorised by this Act.] Supplementary

Section 51. Exercise in certain cases of powers of telegraph authority

Notwithstanding anything in sections 12 to 16 (both inclusive) and sections 18 and 19, the 5[Provincial Government] may, by order in writing, for the placing of appliances and apparatus for the transmission of energy, confer upon any public officer or licensee, subject to such conditions and restrictions (if any) as the 5[Provincial Government] may think fit to impose, and to the provisions of the Telegraph Act, 1885 (III of 1885), any of the powers which the telegraph-authority possesses under that Act, with respect to the placing of telegraph-lines and posts for the purposes of a telegraph established or maintained by the Government or to be so established or maintained.

Section 52. Arbitration

Where any matter is, by or under this Act, directed to be determined by arbitration, the matter shall, unless it is otherwise expressly provided in the license of a licensee, be determined by such person or persons as the 6[Provincial Government] may nominate in that behalf on the application of either party; but in all other respects the arbitration shall be subject to the provisions of the 7[*] Arbitration Act, 8[1940] (X of 1940).

Section 53. Service of notices, orders or documents

(1) Every notice, order or document by or under this Act required or authorized to be addressed to any person may be served by post or left,-

(a) where 9[the 3[Federal Government] or the Provincial

1Ins. by the Electricity Act (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1962 (VI of 1962) s,3.

2Subs, by A. O.. 1949 for “any Government in British India” which was previously subs, by A, O., 1937, for “the Govt.”, 3Subs, by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”.

4Ins. by Ord. XV of 1999, s.5.

5Subs. by A. O.,' 1937, for “L.G.”, which had been subs, by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922) s. 20 for “G. G. in C,”.

6Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L, G,”.

7The word “Indian” omitted by the Repealing and Amending Act. 1940(XXXII of 1940), s. 3 and Second Sch,

8Subs. by the Arbitration Act, 1940 (X of 1940), s. 49 (2) and Fourth Sch., for “1899” (with effect from the Ist July, 1940).

9Subs. by A, O., 1937, for “the Govt,”. 41

Government] is the addressee, at the office of l[such officer as the 2[Federal Government] or

3[Provincial Government], as the case may be, may designate in this behalf];

4[* * * * * * *]

(b) where a local authority is the addressee, at the office of the local authority;

(c) where a Company is the addressee, at the registered office of the Company or, in the event of the registered office of the Company not being in 5[Pakistan], at the head office of the Company in 5[Pakistan];

(d) where any other person is the addressee, at the usual or last known place of abode or business of the person.

(2) Every notice, order or document by or under this Act required or authorized to be addressed to the owner or occupier of any premises shall be deemed to be properly addressed if addressed by the description of the “owner” or “occupier” of the premises (naming the premises), and may be served by delivering it, or a true copy thereof, to some person on the premises, or, if there is no person on the premises to whom the same can with reasonable diligence be delivered, by affixing it on some conspicuous part of the premises.

Section 54. Recovery of sums recoverable under certain provisions of Act

6[Any penalty imposed under section 4, sub-section (2), every sum] declared to be recoverable by section 5, clause (f), section 6, sub-section (2), section 14, sub-section (2), clause (h), section 16, sub-section (2), section 18, sub- section (2), or sub-section (4) or section 26, sub-section (4), and every fee leviable under this Act, may be recovered, on application to a Magistrate having jurisdiction where the person liable to pay the same is for the time being resident, by the distress and sale of any moveable property belonging to such person.

[7] Section 54A. Charges for supply of energy recoverable as arrears of land revenue

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any other law for the time being in force or in any instrument or agreement, the charges for supply of energy or any other sum outstanding against a consumer under this Act shall be recoverable as an arrear of land revenue.

(2) A licensee, or any person duly authorised by the licensee, may apply, with a certificate showing the amount outstanding against a consumer, to the Collector of the district concerned for the recovery of the said amount, and the Collector shall, thereupon proceed to recover the same from such consumer, or his sureties, or from all of them, as an arrear of land revenue.

Section 54B. Requisition of Police assistance

Where a license, or any person duly authorised by him in this behalf, requires any police assistance for carrying out the purposes of this Act, he may make an application to the District Magistrate or Assistant Commissioner of the sub-division concerned and the District Magistrate or, as the case may be, the Assistant Commissioner may direct the officer in charge of the police station concerned to render the assistance required.

1Subs. by Act I of 1922, s. 21, for “the Secretary in the Public Works Department,” .

2Subs. by F.A.O 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government” which had been subs. by A.O, 1937, for “G. G. in C”.

3Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “L. G”.

4Clause (aa) which was ins. by A. O., 1937, omitted by A. O., 1949.

5Subs. by A. O., 1949, for “India”.

6Subs. by the Electricity Act (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1962 (VI of 1962), s. 4 for “Every sum”. 42 7New sections 54A. 54B and 54C ins. by the Electridty (Amdt.) Ordinance: 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 12. 43

Section 54C. Bar of Jurisdiction

(1) Where a licensee gives a notice referred to in sub-section (1) of section 24 or discontinues supply of energy to a premises under the provisions of this Act, no court shall make an order prohibiting the licensee from discontinuing supply of energy to the premises, or requiring him to restore supply of energy to such premises, and any such order made before the commencement of the Electricity (Amendment) Ordinance, 1979, shall cease to have effect:

Provided that nothing contained herein shall apply to a case in which the plaintiff, applicant or appellant, within a period of thirty days of the aforesaid date or at the time of filing the suit, application or appeal, as the case may be, deposits with the court the amount assessed against him by the licensee and all further charges of the licensee as and when they become due; and in the event of his failing to do so, any order prohibiting the licensee from discontinuing the supply of energy to the premises or requiring him to restore the supply of energy to the premises, if already made, shall cease to have effect.

(2) Where an amount has been deposited under sub-section (1), the court shall direct it to be deposited in a scheduled bank in the name of the licensee on an undertaking being furnished by the licensee to the effect that in case the suit or appeal is decided against him, he shall repay the said amount to the plaintiff or appellant, as the case may be, with such reasonable return as the court may determine.]

Section 55. Delegation of certain functions of Provincial Government to Electric Inspectors

The 1[Provincial Government] may, by general or special order, authorize the discharge of any of its functions under section 13 or section 18 2[or section 34, sub-section (2),] or clause V, sub-clause (2), or clause XIII of the Schedule by an Electric Inspector.

Section 56. Protection for acts done in good faith

No suit, prosecution or other proceeding shall lie against any public officer, or any servant of a local authority, for anything done, or in good faith purporting to be done, under this Act.

Section 57. Amendment of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894

(1) In section 40, sub-section (1), clause (b), and section 41, sub-section (5), of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (I of 1894), the term “work” shall be deemed to include electrical energy supplied, or to be supplied, by means of the work to be constructed.

(2) The 1[Provincial Government] may, if it thinks fit, on the application of any person, not being a company, desirous of obtaining any land for the purposes of his undertaking, direct that he may acquire such land under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (I of 1894), in the same manner and on the same conditions as it might be acquired if the person were a company.

Section 58. Repeals and savings

(1) The Indian Electricity Act, 1903 (III of 1903), is hereby repealed:

Provided that every application for a license made and every license granted under the said Act shall be deemed to have been made and granted under this Act.

(2) Northing in this Act shall be deemed to affect the terms of any license which was granted, or of any agreement which was made, by or with the sanction of the Government for the supply or use of electricity before the commencement of this Act.

1Subs. by A.O.1937, for “L.G”.

2Ins.by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s.22. 44

THE SCHEDULE

PROVISIONS TO BE DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED WITH, AND TO FORM PART OF, EVERY LICENSE GRANTED UNDER PART II, SO FAR AS NOT ADDED TO, VARIED OR EXCEPTED BY THE LICENSE

[See section 3, sub-section (2), clause (f)]

Security and Accounts

Paragraph 1. Security for execution of works of licensee not being local authority

Where the licensee is not a local authority, the following provisions as to giving security shall apply, namely:–

(a) The licensee shall, within the period fixed in that behalf by his license, or any longer period which the l[Provincial Government] may substitute therefor by order under section 4, sub-section (3), clause (b), of the Electricity Act, 1910, before exercising any of the powers by the license conferred on him in relation to the execution of works, show, to the satisfaction of the l[Provincial Government], that he is in a position fully and efficiently to discharge the duties and obligations imposed upon him by the license throughout the area of supply.

(b) The licensee shall also, within the period fixed in that behalf by his license, or any longer period which the l[Provincial Government] may substitute therefor by order under section 4, sub-section (3), clause (b), of the Electricity Act, 1910, and before exercising any of the powers conferred on him in relation to the execution of works, deposit or secure to the satisfaction of the l[Provincial Government] such sum (if any) as may be fixed by the license, or, if not so fixed, by the l[Provincial Government].

(c) The said sum deposited or secured by the licensee under the provisions of this clause shall be repaid or released to him on the completion of the works or at such earlier date or dates and by such instalments, as may be approved by the l[Provincial Government].

II. Audit of accounts of licensee not being local authority.–Where the licensee is not a local authority, the following provisions as to the audit of accounts shall apply, namely:___

(a) The annual statement of accounts of the undertaking shall, before being rendered under section 11 of the Electricity Act, 1910, be examined and audited by such person as the l[Provincial Government] may appoint or approve in this behalf, and the remuneration of the auditor shall be such as the l[Provincial Government] may direct, and his remuneration and all expenses incurred by him in or about the execution of his duties, to such an amount as the l[Provincial Government] shall approve, shall be paid by the licensee on demand.

1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L.G.”. 45

(b) The licensee shall afford to the auditor, his clerks and assistants, access to all such books and documents relating to the undertaking as are necessary for the purposes of the audit, and shall, when required, furnish to him and then all vouchers and information requisite for that purpose, and afford to him and them all facilities for the proper execution of his and their duty.

(c) The audit shall be made and conducted in such manner as the l[Provincial Government] may direct.

(d) Any report made by the auditor, or such portion thereof as the 1[Provincial Government] may direct, shall be appended to the annual statement of accounts of the licensee, and shall thenceforth form part thereof.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this clause, the l[Provincial Government] may, if it thinks fit, accept the examination and audit of an auditor appointed by the licensee.

III. Separate accounts.–The licensee shall, unless the l[Provincial Government] otherwise directs, at all times keep the accounts of the capital employed for the purposes of the undertaking distinct from the accounts kept by him of any other undertaking or business. Compulsory works and supply

IV. Execution of work after commencement of license.–The licensee shall, within a period of three years after the commencement of the license, execute to the satisfaction of the 1[Provincial Government] all such works as may be specified in the license in this behalf or, if not so specified, as the 1[Provincial Government] may, by order in writing issued within six months of the date of the commencement of the license, direct.

V. Provisions as to laying down of further distributing mains.–(l) Where, after the expiration of two years and six months from the commencement of the license, a requisition is made by six or more owners or occupiers of premises in or upon any street or part of a street within the area of supply or by the l[Provincial Government] or a local authority charged with the public lighting thereof, requiring the licensee to provide distributing mains throughout such street or part thereof, the licensee shall comply within six months with the requisition, unless,___

(a) where it is made by such owners or occupiers as aforesaid, the owners or occupiers making it do not, within fourteen clear days after the service on them by the licensee of a notice in writing in this behalf, tender to the licensee a written contract duly executed and with sufficient security binding themselves to take, or guaranteeing that there shall be taken, a supply of energy for not less than two years to such amount as will in the aggregate produce annually, at the current rates charged by the licensee, a reasonable return to the licensee; or

(b) where it is made by the 1[Provincial Government] or a local authority, the l[Provincial Government] or local authority, as the case may be, does not, within the like period, tender a like contract binding itself to take a supply of energy for not less than seven years for the public lamps in such street or part thereof.

1Subs. by A. O.,1937, for “L. G.”. 46

(2) Where any difference or dispute arises between the licensee and such owners or occupiers as to the sufficiency of the security offered under this clause, or as to the amount of energy to be taken or guaranteed as aforesaid, the matter shall be referred to the l[Provincial Government], and either decided by it or, if it so directs, determined by arbitration.

(3) Every requisition under this clause shall be signed by the maker or makers thereof and shall be served on the licensee.

(4) Every requisition under this clause shall be in a form to be prescribed by rules under the Electricity Act, 1910; and copies of the form shall be kept at the office of the licensee and supplied free of charge to any applicant.

VI. Requisition for supply to owners or occupiers in vicinity.–(1) Where 2[after distributing mains have been laid down under the provisions of clause IV or clause V and the supply of energy through those mains or any of them has commenced] a requisition is made by the owner or occupier of any premises situate within 3[the area of supply] requiring the licensee to supply energy for such premises, the licensee shall, within one month from the making of the requisition 2[or within such longer period as the Electric Inspector may allow,] supply, and, save in so far as he is prevented from doing so by cyclones, floods, storms or other occurrences beyond his control, continue to supply, energy in accordance with the requisition:

Provided, first, that the licensee shall not be bound to comply with any such requisition unless and until the person making it-

(a) within fourteen days after the service on him by the licensee of a notice in writing in this behalf, tenders to the licensee a written contract, in a form approved by the 1[Provincial Government], duly executed and with sufficient security, binding himself to take a supply of energy for not less than two years to such amount as with produce, at current rates charged by the licensee, a reasonable return to the licensee, and

(b) if required by the licensee so to do, pays to the licensee the cost of so much of any service line as may be laid down or placed for the purposes of the supply upon the property in respect of which the requisition is made, and of so much of any service line as it may be necessary for the said purposes to lay down or place beyond one hundred feet from the licensee’s distributing main although not on that property:

4[Provided, secondly, that the licensee shall be entitled to discontinue such supply–

(a) if the owner or occupier of the premises to which the supply is made by the licensee has not already given security, or if any security already given by him has become invalid, or there is change of owner or occupier and such owner or occupier fails to furnish security according to the prevalent rate, as the case may be, within seven days after the service upon him of notice from the licensee requiring him so to do, or

1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.” . 47

2Ins. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 23.

3Subs. ibid., for “one hundred yards from any distributing main”.

4Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1919), s. 13, for the proviso. 48

(b) if the owner or occupier of the premises to which the supply is made adopts any appliance, or uses the energy supplied to him by the licensee for any purpose, or deals with it in any manner, so as unduly or improperly to interfere with the efficient supply of energy to any other person by the licensee, or

(c) if the electric wires, fittings, works and apparatus in such premises are not in good order and condition, and are consequently likely to affect injuriously the use of energy by the licensee, or by other persona, or

(d) if the owner or occupier makes any alteration of or addition to, any electric wires, fittings, works or apparatus within such premises as aforesaid, and does not notify the same to the licensee before the same are connected to the source of supply, with a view to their being examined, tested, accounted or charged for, or

(e) if the owner or occupier of the premises to which the supply is made has:–

(i) used it in a manner prejudicial to the safety or sufficient working of the licensee’s electric supply lines or works;

(ii) used it under one method of charging in a manner for which a higher method of charging is in force;

(iii) broken, tempered with or counterfeited the licensee’s seal, casing or covering affixed or placed to protect any meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus referred to in section 26 ;

(iv) altered the index of any such meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus;

(v) prevented any such meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus from duly registering the energy supplied or the electrical quantity contained in the supply; or

(vi) presented the supply, consumption or use of energy from being duly registered by any such, meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus; but the licensee shall reconnect the supply with all reasonable speed on the cessation of the act or default or both, as the ease may be, which entitled him to discontinue it:]

Provided, thirdly, that the maximum rate per unit of time at which the owner or occupier shall be entitled to be supplied with energy shall not exceed what is necessary for the maximum consumption on his premises, and, where the owner or occupier has required a licensee to supply him at a specified maximum rate, he shall not be entitled to alter that maximum, except after one month’s notice in writing to the licensee, and the licensee may recover from the owner or occupier any expenses incurred by him by reason of such alteration in respect of the service lines by which energy is supplied to the property beyond one hundred feet from the licensee’s distributing main, or in respect of any fittings or apparatus of the licensee upon that property: and

Provided, fourthly, that, l[if any requisition is made for a supply of energy and] the licensee can prove, to the satisfaction of an Electric Inspector,____

(a) that 2[the nearest distributing main] is already loaded up to its full current- carrying capacity, or

(b) that, in case of a larger amount of current being transmitted by it, the loss of pressure will seriously affect the efficiency of the supply to other consumers in the vicinity, the licensee may refuse to accede to the requisition for such reasonable period not exceeding six months, as such, Inspector may think sufficient for the purpose of amending the distributing main or laying down or placing a further distributing main.

(2) Any service line laid for the purpose of supply in pursuance of a requisition under sub- clause (1) shall, notwithstanding that a portion of it may have been paid for by the person making the requisition, be maintained by the licensee.

3[(3) Where any difference or dispute arises as to the amount of energy to be taken or guaranteed as aforesaid, or as to the cost of any service line, or as to the amount of the expenses incurred under the third proviso to sub-clause (1), the matter shall be referred, on the application of either party, to an Electric Inspector who, within a maximum period of ninety days from the date of such application, and after affording the parties an opportunity of being heard, shall decide the matter; and where the Electric Inspector fails to decide the matter within the said period or where either party declines to accept the decision of the Electric Inspector, the matter shall be referred to the Provincial Government whole decision shall be final.]

(4) Every requisition under this clause shall be signed by the maker or makers thereof and shall be served on the licensee.

(5) Every requisition under this clause shall be in a form to be prescribed by rule under the Electricity Act, 1910; and copies of the forms shall be kept at the office of the licensee and supplied free of charge to any applicant.

4[VII. Further provisions as to laying of service lines.–The licensee shall, before commencing to lay down or place a service line in any street in which a distributing main has not already been laid down or placed, serve upon the local authority (if any) and upon the owner or occupier of all premises abutting on so much of the street as lies between the points of origin and termination of the service line so to be laid down or placed, twenty-one days’ notice stating that the licensee intends to lay down or place a service line, and intimating that, if within the said period the local authority or any five or more of such owners or occupiers require, in accordance with the provisions of the license, that a supply shall be given for any public lamps or to their premises, as the case may be, the necessary distributing main will be laid down or placed by the licensee at the same time as the service line.]

1Subs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s.23 for “in the event of any requisition being made for a supply of energy from any distributing main of which”.

2Subs. ibid., for “it”.

3Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 13, for sub-clause (3). 50

4Subs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 24, for the original clause.

VIII. Supply for public lamps.–(1) Where 1[after distributing mains have been laid down under the provisions of clause IV or clause V and the supply of energy through those mains or any of them has commenced] a requisition is made by the 2[Provincial Government] or by a local authority requiring the licensee to supply for a period of not less than seven years energy for any public lamps within the 3[area of supply], the licensee shall supply, and, save in so far as he is prevented from doing so by cyclones, floods, storms or other occurrences beyond his control, continue to supply, energy for such lamps in such quantities as the 2[Provincial Government] or the local authority, as the case may be, may require.

(2) The provisions of sub-clause (b) of the first proviso, of sub-clauses (c) and (d) of the second proviso, and of the third and fourth provisos to sub-clause (1) and the provisions of sub-clauses (2) and (3) of clause VI shall, so far as may be, apply to every case in which a requisition for the supply of energy is made under this clause as if the 2[Provincial Government] or local authority were an owner or occupier within the meaning of those provisions. Supply by bulk-licensees

IX. Special provisions applying to supply by bulk-licensees.–(1) Where, and in so far as, the licensee (hereinafter in this clause referred to as “the bulk-licensee”) is authorised by his license to supply energy to other licensees for distribution by them (hereinafter in this clause referred to as “distributing-licensees”) the following provisions shall apply, namely:___

(a) any distributing-licensees within the bulk-licensee’s area of supply may make a requisition on the bulk-licensee, requiring him to give a supply of energy and specifying the point, and the maximum rate per unit of time, at which supply is required, and the date upon which the supply is to commence, such date being fixed after the date of receipt of the requisition so as to allow an interval that is reasonable with regard to the locality and to the length of the electric supply- line and the amount of the plant required;

(b) such distributing-licensee shall, if required by the bulk-licensee so to do, enter into a written agreement to receive and pay for a supply of energy for a period of not less than seven years of such an amount that the payment to be made for the same at the rate of charge for the time being charged for such supply shall not be less than such an amount as will produce a reasonable return to the bulk- licensee on the outlay (excluding expenditure on generating plant then existing and any electric supply-line then laid down or placed) incurred by him in making provision for such supply;

(c) the maximum rate per unit of time at which a distributing licensee shall be entitled to be supplied with energy shall not exceed what is necessary for the purposes for which the supply is required by him, and need not be increased except upon a fresh requisition made in accordance with the foregoing provisions;

1Ins. ibid., s. 25.

2Subs. by A. O.,1937, for “L. G.”.

3Subs. by Act I of 1922,s. 25, for “distance of one hundred yards from any distributing main”. 51

(d) if any difference or dispute arises under this clause, it, shall be determined by arbitration, and, in the event of such arbitration, the arbitrator shall have regard to the following amongst other considerations, namely:___

(i) the period for which the distributing-licensee is prepared to bind himself to take energy; 52

(ii) the amount of energy required and the hours during which the bulk- licensee is to supply it;

(iii) the capital expenditure incurred or to be incurred by the bulk-licensee in connection with the aforesaid supply of energy; and

(iv) the extent to which the capital expended or to be expended by the bulk- licensee in connection with such supply may become unproductive upon the discontinuance thereof.

(2) Notwithstanding anything in sub-clause (1), the bulk-licensee shall give a supply of energy to any distributing-licensee within his area of supply applying therefor, even although the distributing- licensee desires to be supplied with only a portion of the energy required for distribution by him:

Provided that the distributing-licensee shall, if so required by the bulk-licensee, enter into an agreement to take such energy upon special terms (including a minimum annual sum to be paid to the bulk-licensee) to be determined, if necessary, by arbitration in the manner laid down in sub-clause (1) (d).

(3) The maximum price fixed by a license for energy supplied to a distributing-licensee shall not apply to any partial supply given under sub-clause (2).

(4) Every distributing-licensee, who is supplied with energy by a bulk-licensee and intends to discontinue to receive such supply, shall give not less than twelve months’ notice in writing of such intention to the bulk-licensee:

Provided that, where the distributing-licensee has entered into a written agreement with the bulk-licensee to receive and pay for a supply of energy for a certain period, such notice shall be given so as not to expire before the end of that period. Charges

X. Method of Charging. 1[* * * * * * *]

1The first part of the clause up to and including sub-clause (c) omitted by the Indian E1ectricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 26. 53

1[(1)] 2[* * *] Where the licensee charges by any method 3[approved by the 4[Provincial Government] in accordance with section 23, sub-section (3), clause (c), of the Electricity Act, 1910,] any consumer who objects to that method may, by not less than one month’s notice in writing, require the licensee to charge him, at the licensee’s option, either by the actual amount of energy supplied to him or by the electrical quantity contained in the supply, and thereafter the licensee shall not, except with the consent of the consumer, charge him by another method.

1[(2)] 5[* * *] Before commencing to supply energy through any distributing main, the licensee shall give notice, by public advertisement, of the method by which he proposes to charge for energy so supplied; and, where the licensee has given such notice, he shall not be entitled to change that method of charging without giving not less than one month’s notice in writing of such change to the 4[Provincial Government], to the local authority (if any) concerned, and to every consumer of energy who is supplied by him from such distributing main.

1[(3)] 6[* * *] If the consumer is provided with a meter in pursuance of the provisions of section 26, sub-section (1), of the Electricity Act, 1910, and the licensee changes the method of charging for the energy supplied by him from the distributing main, the licensee shall bear the expense of providing a new meter, or such other apparatus as may be necessary by reason of the new method of charging.

XI. Maximum charges.–Save as provided by clause IX, sub-clause (3), the prices charged by the licensee for energy supplied by him shall not exceed the maxima fixed by his license, or, in the case of a method of charge approved by the 4[Provincial Government], such maxima as the 4[Provincial Government] shall fix on approving the method:

Provided, that, if, at any time after the expiration of seven years from the commencement of the license, the 4[Provincial Government] considers 7[* * *] that the maxima so fixed or approved as aforesaid should be altered, it 8[shall refer the matter to an Advisory Board, and, if the Board recommends any alteration, may make an order in accordance with such recommendation], which shall have effect from such date as may be mentioned therein:

Provided, also, that, where an order in pursuance of the foregoing proviso has been made, no further order altering the maxima fixed thereby shall be made until the expiration of another period of five years.

9[XIA. Minimum charges.–A licensee may charge a consumer a minimum charge for energy of such amount and determined in such manner as may be specified by his license; and such minimum charge shall be payable notwithstanding that no energy has been used by the consumer during the period for which such minimum charge is made.]

1The first, second and third provisos were re-numbered as sub-clauses (1), (2) and (3), respectively, by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 26. 2The words “Provided, first, that” omitted, ibid.

3Subs. ibid., for “so approved by the L. G.”.

4Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.

5The words “Provided, secondly, that” omitted by Act I of 1922, s. 26”. 6The words “Provided, thirdly, that” omitted, ibid. 54 7The words “or is satisfied” omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 27.

8Subs. ibid., for “may, after such inquiry (if any) as it thinks fit, make an order accordingly”.

9This clause was ins., ibid., s. 28. 55

XII. Charge for supply for public lamps.–The price to be charged by the licensee and to be paid to him for energy supplied for the public lamps, and the mode in which those charges are to be ascertained, shall be settled by agreement between the licensee and the l[Provincial Government] or the local authority, as the case may be, and, where any difference or dispute arises, the matter shall be determined by arbitration. Testing and Inspection

XIII. Licensee to establish testing stations and keep instruments for testing.–The licensee shall establish at his own cost and keep in proper condition such number of testing stations, situated at such places within reasonable distance from any distributing main, as the l[Provincial Government] may direct for the purpose of testing the pressure or periodicity of the supply of energy in the distributing main, and shall supply and keep in proper condition thereat, and on all premises from which he supplies energy such instruments for testing as an Electric Inspector may approve, and shall supply energy to each testing station for the purpose of testing.

XIV. Facilities for testing.–The licensee shall afford all facilities for inspection and testing of his works and for the reading, testing and inspection of his instruments, and may, on each occasion of the testing of his works or the reading, testing or inspection of any instruments, be represented by an agent, who may be present, but shall not interfere with the reading, testing or inspection.

XV. Testing of works.–On the occasion of the testing of any works of the licensee by an Electric Inspector reasonable notice thereof shall be given to the licensee; and the testing shall be carried out at such suitable hours as, in the opinion of the Electric Inspector, will least interfere with the supply of energy by the licensee, and in such manner as the Electric Inspector may think fit ; but, except under the provisions of an order made in each case in that behalf by the l[Provincial Government], the Electric Inspector shall not be entitled to have access to, or interfere with, the works of the licensee at any points other than those at which the licensee him-self has access to the same:

Provided that the licensee shall not be held responsible for any interruption or irregularity in the supply of energy which may be occasioned by, or required by the Electric Inspector for the purpose of, any such testing as aforesaid:

Provided, also, that the testing shall not be made in regard to any particular portion of the works oftener than once in any three months, unless in pursuance of an order made in each case in that behalf by the l[Provincial Government]. Plans

XVI. Plan of area of supply to be made and kept open for inspection.–(l) The licensee shall, after commencing to supply energy, forthwith cause a plan to be made of the area of supply, and shall cause to be marked thereon the alignment 2[and, in the case of underground works, the approximate depth] below the surface or all his then existing electric supply-lines. streetdis tributing boxes and other works, and shall once in every year cause that plan to be duly corrected so as to show the electric supply-lines, street-distributing boxes and other works for the time being in position. The licensee shall also, if so required by an Electric Inspector, cause to be made sections showing the approximate level of all his existing underground works other then service lines.

1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.

2Subs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 29, for “and the approximate height above or depth”. 56

1[(2) Every such plan shall he drawn to such scale as the 2[Provincial Government] may require: provided that no scale shall be required unless maps of the locality on that scale are for the time being available to the public.

(3) Every such section shall be drawn to horizontal and vertical scales which shall be such as the 2[Provincial Government] may require.]

(4) Every plan and section so made or corrected, or a copy thereof, marked with the date when it was so made or corrected, shall be kept by the licensee at his principal office or place of business within the area of supply, and shall at all reasonable times be open to the inspection of all applicants, and copies thereof shall be supplied on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by rules under the Electricity Act, 1910.

(5) The licensee shall, if required by an Electric Inspector and, where the licensee is not a local authority, by the local authority (if any) concerned, supply free of charge to such Electric Inspector or local authority a copy of every such plan or section duly corrected so as to agree with the original kept at the principal office or place of business of the licensee. Additional notice of certain works

XVII. Notice to Electric Inspector.–On the day next preceding the commencement of any such works as are referred to in section 13 of the Electricity Act, 1910, the licensee shall, in addition to any other notices which he may be required to give, serve upon the Electric Inspector, or such officer as the 2[Provincial Government] may appoint in this behalf for the area of supply, a notice in writing stating that he is about to commence the works, and ,the nature and position of the same.

Date:-22.04.2024

1Subs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 29. for the original sub-clauses (2) and (3).

2Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L.G.”.

Print contents from the source
CONTENTS 
PART I 
 
PRELIMINARY 
1.  Short title, extent and commencement 
2.  Definitions 
PART II 
 
SUPPLY OF ENERGY LICENSES 
3.  Grant of licenses 
4.  Revocation or amendment of licenses 
5.  Provisions where license of licensee, not being a local authority, is revoked 
6.  Provisions where license of local authority is revoked 
7.  Purchase of undertaking 
8.  Provisions where no purchase and license revoked with consent of licensee 
9.  Licensee not purchase, or associate himself with, other licensed undertakings or transfer his 
undertakings 
10.  General power for Government to vary terms of purchase 
11.  Annual accounts of licensee 
12.  Provisions as to the opening and breaking up of streets, railways and tramways 
13.  Notice of new works 
14.  Alteration of pipes or wires 
15.  Laying of electric supply-lines or other works near sewers, pipes or other electric supply-lines 
works 
 
 

 
Page 2 of 49 
 
16.  Streets, railways, tramways, sewers, drains or tunnels broken up to be reinstated without 
delay 
17.  Notice to telegraph authority 
18.  Aerial lines 
19.  Compensation for damage 
19A.  Point where supply is delivered 
20.  Power for licensee to enter premises and to remove fittings or other apparatus of licensee 
21.  Restrictions on licensee’s controlling or interfering with use of energy 
22.  Obligation on licensee to supply energy 
23.  Charges for energy to be made without undue preference 
24.  Discontinuance of supply to consumer neglecting to pay charge 
25.  Exemption of electric supply lines or other apparatus from attachment in certain cases 
26.  Meters 
26A.  Dishonest abstraction or consumption of energy 
27.  Supply of energy outside area of supply 
PART III 
 
SUPPLY, TRANSMISSION AND USE OF ENERGY BY NON-LICENSEES 
28.  Sanction required by non-licensees in certain cases 
29.  Power for non-licensees to break up streets 
29A.  Application of section 18 to aerial lines maintained by railways 
30.  Control of transmission and use of energy 
PATR IV 
 
GENERAL 
31.  Protection of railways and canals, docks, wharves and piers 
32.  Protection of telegraphic, telephonic and electric signaling lines 
33.  Notice of accidents and inquiries 
34.  Prohibition of connection with earth, and power for Government to interfere in certain cases 
of default 
 
Page 3 of 49 
 
35.  Advisory Boards 
36.  Appointment of Electric Inspectors 
36A.  Electricity Board 
37.  Power for Board to make rules 
38.  Further provisions respecting rules 
39.  Theft of energy 
39A.  Penalty for installation of artificial means, etc. 
40.  Penalty for maliciously wasting energy or injuring works 
41.  Penalty for unauthorized supply of energy by non-licensees 
42.  Penalty for illegal or defective supply or for non-compliance with order 
43.  Penalty for illegal transmission or use of energy 
44.  Penalty for interference with meters or licensee’s works and for improper use of energy 
45.  Penalty for extinguishing public lamps 
46.  Penalty for negligently wasting energy or injuring works 
47.  Penalty for offences not otherwise provided for 
48.  Penalties not to affect other liabilities 
49.  Penalties where works belong to Government 
50.  Institution of prosecutions 
50A.  Cognizance of offences, etc. 
51.  Exercise in certain cases of powers of telegraph authority 
52.  Arbitration 
53.  Service of notices, orders or documents 
54.  Recovery of sums recoverable under certain provisions of Act 
54A.  Charges for supply of energy recoverable as arrears of land revenue 
54B.  Requisition of Police assistance 
54C.  Bar of Jurisdiction 
 
Page 4 of 49 
 
55.  Delegation of certain functions of Provincial Government to Electric Inspectors 
56.  Protection for acts done in good faith 
57.  Amendment of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 
58.  Repeals and savings 
Compare the original stored transcription

Exact source transcription retained, including print layout and extraction artifacts. Text SHA-256: 9002b268306645c9e808c8fcf42be18e217c370e502bd4cb0e2bcc5178b50d58.

Page 1 of 49 
 
 
THE ELECTRICITY ACT, 1910 
 
 
 
CONTENTS 
PART I 
 
PRELIMINARY 
1.  Short title, extent and commencement 
2.  Definitions 
PART II 
 
SUPPLY OF ENERGY LICENSES 
3.  Grant of licenses 
4.  Revocation or amendment of licenses 
5.  Provisions where license of licensee, not being a local authority, is revoked 
6.  Provisions where license of local authority is revoked 
7.  Purchase of undertaking 
8.  Provisions where no purchase and license revoked with consent of licensee 
9.  Licensee not purchase, or associate himself with, other licensed undertakings or transfer his 
undertakings 
10.  General power for Government to vary terms of purchase 
11.  Annual accounts of licensee 
12.  Provisions as to the opening and breaking up of streets, railways and tramways 
13.  Notice of new works 
14.  Alteration of pipes or wires 
15.  Laying of electric supply-lines or other works near sewers, pipes or other electric supply-lines 
works 
 
 

 
Page 2 of 49 
 
16.  Streets, railways, tramways, sewers, drains or tunnels broken up to be reinstated without 
delay 
17.  Notice to telegraph authority 
18.  Aerial lines 
19.  Compensation for damage 
19A.  Point where supply is delivered 
20.  Power for licensee to enter premises and to remove fittings or other apparatus of licensee 
21.  Restrictions on licensee’s controlling or interfering with use of energy 
22.  Obligation on licensee to supply energy 
23.  Charges for energy to be made without undue preference 
24.  Discontinuance of supply to consumer neglecting to pay charge 
25.  Exemption of electric supply lines or other apparatus from attachment in certain cases 
26.  Meters 
26A.  Dishonest abstraction or consumption of energy 
27.  Supply of energy outside area of supply 
PART III 
 
SUPPLY, TRANSMISSION AND USE OF ENERGY BY NON-LICENSEES 
28.  Sanction required by non-licensees in certain cases 
29.  Power for non-licensees to break up streets 
29A.  Application of section 18 to aerial lines maintained by railways 
30.  Control of transmission and use of energy 
PATR IV 
 
GENERAL 
31.  Protection of railways and canals, docks, wharves and piers 
32.  Protection of telegraphic, telephonic and electric signaling lines 
33.  Notice of accidents and inquiries 
34.  Prohibition of connection with earth, and power for Government to interfere in certain cases 
of default 
 
Page 3 of 49 
 
35.  Advisory Boards 
36.  Appointment of Electric Inspectors 
36A.  Electricity Board 
37.  Power for Board to make rules 
38.  Further provisions respecting rules 
39.  Theft of energy 
39A.  Penalty for installation of artificial means, etc. 
40.  Penalty for maliciously wasting energy or injuring works 
41.  Penalty for unauthorized supply of energy by non-licensees 
42.  Penalty for illegal or defective supply or for non-compliance with order 
43.  Penalty for illegal transmission or use of energy 
44.  Penalty for interference with meters or licensee’s works and for improper use of energy 
45.  Penalty for extinguishing public lamps 
46.  Penalty for negligently wasting energy or injuring works 
47.  Penalty for offences not otherwise provided for 
48.  Penalties not to affect other liabilities 
49.  Penalties where works belong to Government 
50.  Institution of prosecutions 
50A.  Cognizance of offences, etc. 
51.  Exercise in certain cases of powers of telegraph authority 
52.  Arbitration 
53.  Service of notices, orders or documents 
54.  Recovery of sums recoverable under certain provisions of Act 
54A.  Charges for supply of energy recoverable as arrears of land revenue 
54B.  Requisition of Police assistance 
54C.  Bar of Jurisdiction 
 
Page 4 of 49 
 
55.  Delegation of certain functions of Provincial Government to Electric Inspectors 
56.  Protection for acts done in good faith 
57.  Amendment of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 
58.  Repeals and savings 
THE SCHEDULE 
  
 
Page 5 of 49 
 
THE ELECTRICITY ACT, 1910 
1ACT No. IX OF 1910 
[18th March, 1910]  
An Act to amend the law relating to the supply and use of electrical energy 
 WHEREAS it is expedient to amend the law relating to the supply and use of electrical energy;  
 It is hereby enacted as follows:–  
PART I 
 
PRELIMINARY 
 1. Short t itle, extent and commencement. ___(1) This Act may be called the 2[*] Electricity 
Act, 1910.  
 3[(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan.]  
 (3) It shall come into force on such date4 as the 5[Federal Government] may, by notification in 
the 6[official Gazette], direct in this behalf.  
 2. Definitions.___ In this Act, expressions defined in the Telegraph Act, 1885 (XIII of 1885), 
have the meanings assigned to them in that Act, and, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject 
or context,— 
(a)  “aerial line” means any electric supply-line which is placed above ground and 
in the open air:  
(b)  “area of supply” means the area within which alone a licensee is for the time 
being authorized by his license to supply energy:  
(c)  “consumer” means any person who is supplied with energy by a licensee, or 
7[who is the owner or occupier of the premises which] are for the time being 
connected for the purposes of a supply of energy with the works of a licensee:  
 
1The Act has been amended in its application to the Province of Punjab by Punjab Ordinance, XXIX of 1971.  
The Act has been supplemented In Baluchistan by the Biritish Baluchistan Electricity (Emergency Powers) Regulation, 1947, (Reg. II of 1947), extended 
to the Leased Areas of Baluchistan, by the Leased Areas (Laws) Order, 1950 (G. G. O. 3 of 1950); and applied in the Federated Area of Baluchistan, see 
Gazette of India, 1937, Pt. I, p. 1499.  
The Act has been applied to Phulera in the Excluded Area of Uppe r Tanawal to the extent the Act is applicable in the N.W.F.P., and extended to the 
Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal other that Phulera by the N.W.F.P. (Upper Tanawal) (Excluded Area) Laws Regulation, 1950 and d eclared to be in 
force in that area with effect from the 1st June, 1951, see N.W.F.P. Gazette, Extraordinary, dated the 1st June, 1951.  
It has also been extended to–  
(i) the Baluchistan State Union, by the Baluchistan States Union. (Federal Laws)  
(Extension) Order, 1953 (G.G.O, 4 of 1953);  
(ii) the State of Bahawalpur, by the Bahawalpur (Extension of Federal Laws Order. 1953 (G.G.O.11 of 1953) and  
(iii) the Khairpur State by G. G.O. 5 of 1953.  
The Act has been and shall be deemed to have been brought into force in Gwadur with effect from the 8th September, 1958, by the Gwadur (Application 
of Central Laws) Ordinance, 1960 (31 of 1960). s. 2. 2  
2The word “Indian” omitted by A.O, 1949.  
3Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute, Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (XXI of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), for sub-section 
(2) as amended by A O. 1949 and the Federal Law’s (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (XXVI of 1951), s. 8,  
4The 1st January, 1911, see Gen. R . & O.  
5Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government” which had been subs. by A.O., 1937 , for “G.G. in C”.  
6Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “Gazette of India”  
7Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 2, for “whose premises”. 3  
 
Page 6 of 49 
 
 (d)  “daily fine” means a fine for each day on which an offence is continued after 
conviction therefor:  
(e)  “distributing main” means the portion of any main with which a service line is, 
or is intended to be, immediately connected: .  
(f)  “electric supply line” means a wire, conductor or other means used for 
conveying, transmitting or distributing energy together with any casing, coating, 
covering, tube, pipe or insulator enclosing, surrounding or supporting the same 
or any part thereof, or any apparatus connected therewith for the purpose of so 
conveying, transmitting or distributing such energy:  
(g)  “energy” means electrical energy when generated, transmitted, supplied or used 
for any purpose except the transmission of a message:  
(h)  “licensee” means any person licensed under Part II to supply energy: 
(i)  “main” means any electric supply, line through which energy is, or is intended 
to be, supplied by a licensee to the public:  
(j)  “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act:  
(k)  “public lamp” means an electric-lamp used for the lighting of any street:  
1[(1)  “service line” means any electric supply -line through which energy is, or is 
intended to be, supplied by a li censee— 
(i)  to a single consumer either from a distributing main or immediately from 
the licensee’s premises, or  
(ii)  from a distributing main to a group of consumers on the same premises 
or on adjoining premises supplied from the same point of the distributing 
main:]  
(m)  “street” includes any way, road, lane, square, court, alley passage or open space, 
whether a thoroughfare or not, over which  the public have a right of way, and 
also the roadway and footway over any public bridge or causeway : and  
(n)  “works” includes electric supply -lines and any buildings, machinery or 
apparatus required to supply energy and to carry into effect the objects  of a 
license granted under Part II.  
PART II 
 
SUPPLY OF ENERGY 
 
Licenses 
 3. Grant of licenses .___(1) The 2[Provincial Government] may, on application made in the 
prescribed form and on payment of the prescribed fee (if any), grant to any person a license to supply 
energy in any specified area, and also to lay down or place electric supply -lines for the conveyance 
and transmission of energy,___  
1Subs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 2, for the original clause (1).  
2Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “L. G.”. 4  
 
Page 7 of 49 
 
(a)  where the energy to be supplied is to be generated outside such area from a 
generating station situated outside such area to the boundary of such area, or  
(b)  where energy is to be conveyed or transmitted from any place in such area to 
any other place therein, across an intervening area not included therein, across 
such area.  
 (2) In respect of every such license and the grant thereof the following provisi ons shall have 
effect, namely :—  
(a)  any person applying for a license under this Part shall publish a notice of his 
application in the prescribed manner and with the prescribed particulars, and the 
license shall not be granted –  
(i)  until all objections received by the l[Provincial Government] with 
reference thereto have been considered by it:  
 Provided that no objection shall be so considered unless it is received before the expiration of 
three months from the date of the first publication of such notice as aforesaid; and  
(ii)  until, in the case of an application for a license for an area including the 
whole or any part of any cantonment, fortress, arsenal, dockyard or camp 
or of any building or place in the occupation of the Government for naval 
or military purposes, the l[Provincial Government] has ascertained that 
there is no objection to th e grant of the license on the part of the 
2[Engineer-in-Chief,3[General Head Quarters, Pakistan]] ;  
(b)  where an objection is received from any local authority concerned, the 
l[Provincial Government] shall, if in its opinion the objection is insufficient ; 
record in writing, and communicate to such local authority its reasons for such 
opinion;  
(c)  no application for a license under this Part shall be made by any local authority 
except in pursuance of a resolution passed at a meeting of such authority hel d 
after one month’s previous notice of the same and of the purpose thereof has 
been given in the manner in which notices of meetings of such local authority 
are usually given;  
(d)  a license under this Part___  
(i)  may prescribe such terms as to the limi ts within which, and the 
conditions under which, the supply of energy is to be compulsory or 
permissive, and as to the limits of price to be charged in respect of the 
supply of energy, and generally as to such matters as the l[Provincial 
Government] may think fit ; and  
 
1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for "L. G.".  
2Subs. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1925 (XXXVII of 1925), s.2 and First Sch., for “Director of Military Works” which had been subs. for the 
original words “General Officer Commanding the Division” by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 3.  
3Subs. by A. O., 1949, for “Army Headquarters, India”. 5  
 
 
Page 8 of 49 
 
(ii)  save in cases in which under section 10, clause (b), the provisions of 
sections 5 and 7, or either of them, have been declared not to apply, 
every such license shall declare whether any generating station to be 
used in connection with the undertaking shall  or shall not form part of 
the undertaking for the purpose of purchase under section 5 or section 
7;  
 (e)  the grant of a license under this Part for any purpose shall not in any way hinder 
or restrict the grant of a license to another person within the same area of supply 
for a like purpose;  
(f)  the provisions contained in the Schedule shall be deemed to be incorporated 
with, and to form part of, every license granted under this Part, save in so far as 
they are expressly added to, varied or excepted by the license, and shall, subject 
to any such additions, variations or exceptions which the l[Provincial 
Government] is hereby empowered to make, apply to the undertaking 
authorized by the license:  
 Provided that, where a license is granted in accordance with the provisions of clause IX of the 
Schedule for the supply of energy to other licensees for distribution by them, then, in so far as such 
license relates to such supply, the provisions of clauses IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and XII of the Schedule 
shall not be deemed to be incorporated with the license.  
 2[*  *  *  *  *  *  *]  
 4. Revocation or amendment of licenses. –(1)The l[Provincial Government] may, if in its 
opinion the public interest so requires, revoke a license in any of the following cases, namely:___  
(a)  where the licensee, in the opinion of the 1[Provincial Government], makes wilful 
and unreasonably prolonged default in doing anything required of him by or 
under this Act;  
(b)  where the licensee breaks any of the terms or conditions of his license the breach 
of which is expressly declared by such license to render it liable to revocation;  
(c)  where the licensee fails, within the period fixed in this behalf by his license or 
any longer period which the 1[Provincial Government] may substitute therefor 
by order under sub -section (3), clause (b), and before exercising any of the 
powers conferred on him thereby in relation to the execution of works,___  
(i)  to show, to the satisfaction of the 1[Provincial Government], that he is 
in a position fully and efficiently to discharge the duties and obligations 
imposed on him by his license, or  
(ii)  to make the deposit or furnish the security required by his license;  
(d)  where the licensee is, in the opinion of the 1[Provincial Government], unable, 
by reason of his insolvency, fully and efficiently to discharge the duties and 
obligations imposed on him by his license.  
1Subs. by A. O., 1937 for “L. G.”.  
2Sub-section (3) was omitted by the Devolution Act, 1920 (XXXVIII of 1920). s. 2 and First Sch. 6  
 
Page 9 of 49 
 
 (2) Where the l[Provincial Government] might, under subsection (1), revoke a license, it may, 
instead of revoking the license, 2[impose on the licensee a penalty, not exceeding ten thousand rupees, 
and permit the license to remain in force] subject to such further terms and conditions as it thinks fit 
to impose, and any further terms or conditions so imposed shall be binding upon, and be observed by, 
the licensee, and shall be of like force and effect as if they were contained in the license.  
 (3) Where in its opinion th e public interest so permits, the l[Provincial Government] may, on 
the application or with the consent of the licensee, and, if the licensee is not a local authority, after 
consulting the local authority (if any) concerned,___  
(a)  revoke a license as to the whole or any part of the area of supply upon such 
terms and conditions as it thinks fit, or  
(b)  make such alterations or amendments in the terms and conditions of a license, 
including the provisions specified in section 3, sub -section (2), clause (f), as it 
thinks fit.  
 5. Provisions where license of licensee, not being a local authority, is revoked. –Where the 
1[Provincial Government] revokes under section 4, sub-section (1), the license of a licensee, not being 
a local authority, the following provisions shall have effect, namely:___  
(a)  the 1[Provincial Government] shall serve a notice of the revocation upon the 
licensee, and, where the whole of the area of supply is included in the area for 
which a single local authority is constituted, upon that local authority also, and 
shall in the notice fix a date on which the revocation shall take effect; and on 
and with effect from that date, all the powers and liabilities of the licensee under 
this Act shall absolutely cease and determine;  
(b)  where a notice has been served on a local authority under clause (a), the local 
authority may, within three months after the service of the notice, and with the 
written consent of the l[Provincial Government], by notice in writing, require 
the licensee to sell, and the re upon the licensee shall sell, the undertaking to the 
local authority on payment of the value of all lands, buildings, works, materials 
and plant of the licensee suitable to, and used by him for, the purposes of the 
undertaking, other than a generating station declared by the license not to form 
part of the undertaking for the purpose of purchase, such value to be, in case of 
difference or dispute, determined by arbitration:  
 Provided that the value of such lands, buildings, works, materials and plant shall be deemed 
to be their fair market-value at the time of purchase, due regard being had to the nature and condition 
for the time being of such lands, buildings, works, materials and plant, and to the state of repair 
thereof, and to the circumstance that they are in such a position as to be ready for immediate 
working, and to the suitability of the same for the purposes of the undertaking but without any 
addition in respect of compulsory purchase or of goodwill or of any profits which may be or might 
have been made from the undertaking, or of any similar considerations;  
 
 
1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.  
2Subs. by the Electricity Act, (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1962 (VI of 19.62) s. 2. for “permit it to remain in force”. 7  
 
Page 10 of 49 
 
 (c)  where no purchase has been effected by the local authority under clause (b), and 
any other person is willing to purchase the undertaking, the l[Provincial 
Government] may, if it thinks fit, with the consent of the licensee, or without 
the consent of the licensee in case the price is not l ess than that for which the 
local authority might have purchased the same, require the licensee to sell, and 
thereupon the licensee shall sell, the undertaking to such other person;  
(d)  where no purchase has been effected under clause (b) or clause (c) w ithin such 
time as the l[Provincial Government] may consider reasonable, or where the 
whole of the area of supply is not included in the area, for which a single local 
authority is constituted, the 1[Provincial Government] shall have the option of 
purchasing the undertaking and if the l[Provincial Government] elects to 
purchase, the licensee shall sell the undertaking to the l[Provincial Government] 
upon terms and conditions similar to those set forth in clause (b);  
(e)  where a purchase has been effected under any of the preceding clauses,–  
(i)  the undertaking shall vest in the purchasers free from any debts, 
 mortgages or similar obligations of the licensee or attaching to the under 
 taking:  
 Provided that any such debts, mortgages or similar obligations shall attach to the purchase -
money in substitution for the undertaking; and  
(ii)  the revocation of the license shall extend only to the revocation of the 
rights, powers, authorities, duties and obligations of the licensee  from 
whom the undertaking is purchased, and, save as aforesaid, the license 
shall remain in full force, and the purchaser shall be deemed to be the 
licensee:  
 Provided that where the l[Provincial Government] elects to purchase under clause (d), the 
license shall, after purchase, in so far as the l[Provincial Government] is concerned, cease to have any 
further operation;  
(f)  where no purchase has been effected under any of the foregoing clauses, the 
licensee shall have the option of disposing of all lands, buildings, works, 
materials and plant belonging to the undertaking in such manner as he may think 
fit:  
 Provided that, if the licensee does not exercise such option within a period of six months from 
the date on which the same became exercisable, the 1[Provincial Government] may forthwith cause the 
works of the licensee in, under, over, along or across any street to be removed and every such street to 
be reinstated, and recover the cost of such removal and reinstatement from the licensee;  
(g)  if the licensee has been required to sell the undertaking, and if the sale has not 
been completed by the date fixed in the notice issued u nder clause (a), the 
purchaser may, with the previous sanction of the 1[Provincial Government], 
work the undertaking pending the completion of the sale.  
1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.” 8  
 
Page 11 of 49 
 
 6. Provisions where license of local authority is revoked. –(1) Where the l[Provincial 
Government] revokes the license of a local authority under section 4, sub -section (1), and any person 
is willing to purchase the undertaking, the 1[Provincial Government] may, if it thinks fit, require the 
local authority to sell, an d thereupon the local authority shall sell, the undertaking to such person on 
such terms as the 1[Provincial Government] thinks just.  
 (2) Where no purchase has been effected under sub -section (1), the licensee shall have the 
option of disposing of all lands, buildings, works, materials and plant belonging to the under-taking in 
such manner as he may think fit:  
 Provided that, if the licensee does not exercise such option within a period of six months from 
the date on which the same became exercisable, the l[Provincial Government] may forthwith cause the 
works of the licensee in, under, over, along or across any street to be removed and every such street to 
be reinstated, and recover the cost of such removal and reinstatement from the licensee.  
 7. Purchase of undertaking.–(1) Where a license has been granted to any person not being a 
local authority, and the whole of the area of supply is included in the area for which a single local 
authority is constituted, the local authority shall, on the expiration of such period, not exceeding fifty 
years, and of every such subsequent period, not exceeding twenty years, as shall be specified in this 
behalf in the license, have the option of purchasing the undertaking, and, if the local authority, with 
the previous sanction of the 1[Provincial Government], elects to purchase, the licensee shall sell the 
undertaking to the local authority on payment of the value of all lands, buildings, works, materials and 
plant of the licensee suitable to, and used by him for, the purposes of the undert aking, other than a 
generating station declared by the license not to form part of the undertaking for the purpose of 
purchase, such value to be, in case of difference or dispute, determined by arbitration:  
 Provided that the value of such lands, buildings, works, materials and plant shall be deemed to 
be their fair market-value at the time of purchase, due regard being had to the nature and condition for 
the time being of such lands, buildings, works, materials and plant, and to the state of repair thereo f 
and to the circumstance that they are in such a position as to be ready for immediate working, and to 
the suitability of the same for the purposes of the undertaking:  
 Provided also that there shall be added to such value as aforesaid such percentage, i f any, not 
exceeding twenty per centum on that value as may be specified in the license, on account of 
compulsory purchase.  
 (2) Where–  
  (a)  the local authority does not elect to purchase under sub-section (1), or  
(b) the whole of the area of supply i s not included in the area for which a single 
local authority is constituted, or  
(c)  a licensee supplies energy from the same generating station to two or more areas 
of supply, each controlled by its own local authority, and has been granted a 
license in respect of each area of supply,  
 
 
lSubs. by A.O. 1937 for “L. G,.” 9  
 
Page 12 of 49 
 
 l[Provincial Government] shall have the like option upon the like terms and conditions.  
 (3) Where a purchase has been effected under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2),___  
(a)  the undertaking shall vest in the purchasers free from any debts, mortgages or 
similar obligations of the licensee or attaching to the undertaking:  
 Provided that any such debts, mortgages or similar obligations shall attach to the purchase -
money in substitution for the undertaking; and  
(b)  save as aforesaid, the license shall remain in full force, and the purchaser shall 
be deemed to be the licensee:  
 Provided that where the l[Provincial Government] elects to purchase under sub-section (2), the 
license shall, after purchase, in so far as the l[Provincial Government] is concerned, cease to have any 
further operation.  
 2(4) Not less than two years’ notice in writing of any electi on to purchase under this section 
shall be served upon the licensee by the local authority or the l[Provincial Government], as the case 
may be.  
 (5) Notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, a local authority may, with the previous 
sanction of the l[Provincial Government], waive its option to purchase and enter into an agreement 
with the licensee for the working by him of the undertaking until the expiration of the next subsequent 
period referred to in sub -section (1), upon such terms and conditions as may be stated in such 
agreement.  
 8. Provisions where no purchase and license revoked with consent of licensee.–Where, on 
the expiration of a ny of the periods referred to in section 7, sub -section (1), neither a local authority 
nor the 1[Provincial Government] purchases the undertaking, and the license is, on the application or 
with the consent of the licensee, revoked, the licensee shall have the option of disposing of all lands, 
buildings, works, materials and plant belonging to the undertaking in such manner as he may think fit:  
 Provided that, if the licensee does not exercise such option within a period of six months, the 
l[Provincial Government] may proceed to take action as provided in section 5, clause (f), proviso.  
 9. Licensee not purchase, or associate himself with, other licensed undertakings or 
transfer his undertakings. –(1) The licensee shall not, at any time without the previous consent in 
writing of the 1[Provincial Government], acquire, by purchase or otherwise, the license or the 
undertaking of, or associate himself so far as the business of supplying energy is concerned with, any 
person supplying, or intending to supply, energy under any other license, and, before applying for such 
consent, the licensee shall give not less than one month’s notice of the application to every local 
authority, both in the licensee’s area of supply and also in the area or district in which such other person 
supplies, or intends to supply, energy:  
 Provided that nothing in this sub -section shall be construed to require the consent of the 
l[Provincial Government] for the supply of energy by one licensee to another in accordance with the 
provisions of clause IX of the Schedule. 
1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G”. 10  
2This sub-section has been amended in the Punjab by the Punjab Electricity Act, 1939 (Punjab Act VI of 1939). 11  
 
Page 13 of 49 
 
 (2) The licensee shall not at any time assign his license or transfer his undertaking, or any part 
thereof, by sale, mortgage, lease, exchange or otherwise without the previous consent in writing of the 
1[Provincial Government]. 
 (3) Any agreement relating to any transaction of the nature described in sub-section (1) or sub-
section (2), unless made with, or subject to such consent as aforesaid, shall be void.  
 10. General power for Government to vary terms of purchase. –Notwithstanding anything 
in sections 5, 7 and 8, the 1[Provincial Government] may, 2[* * *] ,in any license to be granted under 
this Act,–  
(a)  vary the terms and conditions upon which, and the periods on the expiration of 
which, the licensee shall be bound to sell his undertaking, or  
(b)  direct that, subject to such conditions and restrictions (if any) as it may think fit 
to impose, the provisions of the said sections or any of them shall not apply.  
 11. Annual accounts of licensee. –(1) Every licensee shall, unless expressly exempted from 
the liability by his license, or by order in writing of the 1[Provincial Government], prepare and render 
to the l[Provincial Government] or to such authority as the l[Provincial Government] may appoint in 
this behalf, on or before the prescribed date in each year, an annual statement of accounts of his 
undertaking made up to such date, in such form, and containing such particulars, as may be prescribed 
in this behalf.  
 (2) The licensee shall keep copies of such annual statement at his office, and sell the same to 
any applicant at a price not exceeding five rupees per copy.  
Works 
 12. Provisions as to the opening and breaking up of streets, railways and tramways. –(1) 
Any licensee may, from time to time but subject always to the terms and conditions of his license, 
within the area of supply, or when permitted by the terms of his license to lay down or place electric 
supply-lines without the area of supply, without that area___  
  (a) open and break up the soil and payment of any street, railway or tramway;  
(b)  open and break up any sewer, drain or t unnel in or under any street, railway or 
tramway;  
(c)  lay down and place electric supply-lines and other works;  
(d)  repair, alter or remove the same; and  
(e)  do all other acts necessary for the due supply of energy,  
(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall be deemed to authorize or empower a licensee, without 
the consent of the local authority or of the owner and occupier concerned, as the case may be, to lay 
down or place any electric supply -line or other work in, through or against any building, or on, over 
or under any land not dedicated to public use whereon, where over or where under any electric supply-
line or work has not already been lawfully laid down or placed by such licensee: 
1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.  
2The words “with the previous sanction of the G.G. in C” omitted by the Devoluation Act, 1920 (XXXVIII of 1920), s. 2. and First Sch. 12  
 
Page 14 of 49 
 
 Provided that any support of an aerial line or any stay or strut required for the sole purpose of 
securing in position any support of an aerial line may be fixed on any building or land or, having been 
so fixed, may be altered, notwithstanding the objection of the owner or occupier of such building or 
land, if the District Magistrate 1[* * *] by order in writing so directs:  
 Provided, also, that, if at any time the owner or occupier of any building or land on which any 
such support, stay or strut has been fixed shows sufficient cause, the District Magistrate 1[* * *] may 
by order in writing direct any such support, stay or strut to be removed or altered.  
 (3) When making an order under sub-section (2), the District Magistrate 2[* * *], shall fix the 
amount of compensation or of annual rent, or of both, which should in his opinion be paid by the 
licensee to the owner or occupier.  
 (4) Every order made by a District Magistrate 3[* * *] under sub-section (2) shall be subject to 
revision by the 4[Provincial Government].  
 (5) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall be deemed to authorize or empower any licensee 
to open or break  up any street not repairable by 5[the, 6[Federal Government] or the Provincial 
Government] or a local authority, or any railway or tramway except such streets, railways or tramways 
(if any), or such parts thereof, as he is specially authorized to break up  by his license, without the 
written consent of the person by whom the street is repairable or of the person for the time being 
entitled to work the railway or tramway unless with the written consent of the 4[Provincial 
Government]:  
 Provided that the 4[Provincial Government] shall not give any such consent as aforesaid, until 
the licensee has given notice by advertisement or otherwise as the 4[Provincial Government] may 
direct, and within such period as the 4[Provincial Government] may fix in this behalf,  to the person 
above referred to, and until all representations or objections received in accordance with the notice 
have been considered by the 4[Provincial Government].  
 13. Notice of new works.–(1) Where the exercise of any of the powers of a licensee in relation 
to the execution of any works involves the placing of any works in, under, over, along or across any 
street, part of a street, railway, tramway, canal or waterway, the following provisions shall have effect, 
namely:___  
(a)  not less than one month before commencing the execution of the works (not 
being a service line immediately attached, or intended to be immediately 
attached, to a distributing main, or the repair, renewal or amendment of existing 
works of which the character or position is not to be altered), the licensee shall 
serve upon the person responsible for the repair of the street or part of a street 
(hereinafter in this section referred to as “the repairing authority”)  or upon the 
person for the time being entitled  to work the railway, tramway, canal or 
waterway (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the owner”), 
 
1The original words “or, in a Presidency-town or Rangoon the Commissioner of Police” as amended by A. O., 1937, were omitted by A. O., 1949.  
2The words “or the Commissioner of Police, as the case may be” omitted by A. O., 1949.  
3The words “or a Commissioner of Police” omitted ibid.  
4Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L G.”.  
5Subs. ibid., for “the Govt.”.  
6Subs. by F.A.O., 1975 Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”.  
 
 
Page 15 of 49 
 
as the case may be, a notice in writing describing the proposed works, together 
with a section and plan thereof on a scale sufficiently large to show clearly the 
details of the proposed works, and not in any case smaller than one inch to eight 
feet vertically and sixteen inches to the mile horizontally and intimating the 
manner in which, and the time at which, it is proposed to interfere with or alter 
any existing works, and shall, upon being required to do so by the repairing 
authority or owner, as the case may be, from time to time give such further 
information in relation thereto as may be desired;  
(b)  if the repairing authority intimates to the licensee that it disapproves of such 
works, section or plan, or approves thereof subject t o amendment, the licensee 
may, within one week of receiving such intimation, appeal to the 1[Provincial 
Government], whose decision, after considering the reasons given by the 
repairing authority for its action, shall be final;  
(c)  if the repairing authority fails to give notice in writing of its approval or 
disapproval to the license within one month, it shall be deemed to have approved 
of the works, section and plan, and the licensee, after giving not less than forty-
eight hours’ notice in writing to the repairing authority, may proceed to carry 
out the works in accordance with the notice and the section and plan served 
under clause (a);  
(d)  if the owner disapproves of such works, section or plan, or approves thereof 
subject to amendment, he may, within three weeks after the service of the notice 
under clause ( a), serve a requisition upon the licensee demanding that any 
question in relation to the works or to compensation, or to the obligations of the 
owner to others in respect the reof, shall be determined by arbitration, and 
thereupon the matter shall, unless settled by agreement, be determined by 
arbitration;  
(e)  where no requisition has been served by the owner upon the licensee under 
clause (d), within the time named, the owner shall be deemed to have approved 
of the works, section and plan, and in that case, or where after a requisition for 
arbitration the matter has been determined  by arbitration, the works may, upon 
payment or securing of compensation, be executed according  to the notice and 
the section and plan, subject to such modifications as may have been determined 
by arbitration or agreed upon between the parties;  
(f)  where the works to be executed consist of the laying of any underground 
service line immediately attached, or intended to be immediately attached, to a 
distributing main, the licensee shall give to the repairing authority or the owner, 
as the case may be, not less than forty -eight hours’ notice in writing of his 
intention to execute such works;  
 
 
 
1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”. 14  
 
Page 16 of 49 
 
 (g)  where the works to be executed consist of the repair, renewal or amendment of 
existing works of which the character or position is not to be altered, the licensee 
shall, except in cases of emergency, give to the  repairing authority, or to the 
owner, as the case may be, not less than forty -eight hours’ notice in writing of 
his intention to execute such works, and, on the expiry of such notice, such 
works shall be commenced forthwith and shall be carried on with all reasonable 
despatch, and, if possible, both by day and by night until completed.  
 (2) Where the licensee makes default in complying with any of these provisions, he shall make 
full compensation for any loss or damage incurred by reason thereof, and, where any difference or 
dispute arises as to the amount of such compensation, the matter shall be determined by arbitration.  
 (3) Notwithstanding anything in this section, the licensee may, in case of emergency due to the 
breakdown of an underground electric supply -line, after giving notice in writing to the repairing 
authority or the owner,  as the case may be, of his intention to do so, place an aerial line without 
complying with the provisions of sub-section (1):  
 Provided that such aerial line shall be used only until the defect in the underground electric 
supply-line can be made good, an d in no case (unless with the written consent of the 1[Provincial 
Government] for a period exceeding six weeks, and shall be removed as soon as may be after such 
defect is removed.  
 14. Alteration of pipes or wires. –(1) Any licensee may alter the position  of any pipe (not 
forming, in a case where the licensee is not a local authority, part of a local authority’s main sewer), 
or of any wire under or over any place which he is authorized to open or break up, if such pipe or wire 
is likely to interfere with t he exercise of his powers under this Act; and any person may alter the 
position of any electric supply lines or works of a licensee under or over any such place as aforesaid, 
if such electric supply -lines or works are likely to interfere with the lawful ex ercise of any powers 
vested in him.  
 (2) In any such case as aforesaid the following provisions shall, in the absence of an agreement 
to the contrary between the parties concerned, apply, namely:___  
(a)  not less than one month before commencing any alteration, the licensee or other 
person desiring to make the same (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the 
operator”) shall serve upon the person for the time being entitled to the pipe, 
wire, electric supply -lines or works as the case may be (hereina fter in this 
section referred to as “the owner”), a notice in writing, describing the proposed 
alteration, together with a section and plan thereof on a scale sufficiently large 
to show clearly the details of the, proposed works, and not in any case smalle r 
than one inch to eight feet vertically and sixteen inches to the mile horizontally, 
and intimating the time when it is to be commenced, and shall subsequently give 
such further information in relation thereto as the owner may desire;  
 
 
 
1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”. 15  
 
Page 17 of 49 
 
 (b)  within fourteen days after the service of the notice, section and plan upon the 
owner, the owner may serve upon the operator a requisition to the effect that 
any question arising upon the notice, section or plan  shall be determined by 
arbitration, and thereupon the matter shall, unless settled by agreement, be 
determined by arbitration;  
(c)  every arbitrator to whom a reference is made under clause (b) shall have regard 
to any duties or obligations which the own er is under, and may require the 
operator to execute any temporary or other works so as to avoid, as far as 
possible, interference therewith;  
(d)  where no requisition is served upon the operator under clause (b) within the time 
named, or where such a req uisition has been served and the matter has been 
settled by agreement or determined by arbitration, the alteration may, upon 
payment or securing of any compensation accepted or determined by arbitration, 
be executed in accordance with the notice, section and plan and subject to such 
modifications as may have been determined by arbitration or agreed upon 
between the parties.;  
(e)  the owner may at any time before the operator is entitled to commence the 
alteration, serve upon the operator a statement in writing to the effect that he 
desires to execute the alteration himself and requires the operator to give such 
security for the repayment of any expenses as may be agreed upon or, in default 
of agreement, determined by arbitration;  
(f)  where a statement is served upon the operator under clause (e), he shall, not less 
than forty-eight hours before the execution of the alteration is r equired to be 
commenced, furnish such security and serve upon the owner a notice in writing 
intimating the time when the alteration is required to be commenced, and the 
manner in which it is required to be made; and thereupon the owner may proceed 
to execute the alteration as required by the operator;  
(g)  where the owner declines to comply, or does not, within the time and in the 
manner prescribed by a notice served upon him under clause ( f), comply with 
the notice, the operator may himself execute the alteration;  
(h)  all expenses properly incurred by the owner in complying with a notice served 
upon him by the operator under clause ( f) may be recovered by him from the 
operator.  
 (3) Where the licensee or other person desiring to make the alteration make s default in 
complying with any of these provisions, he shall make full compensation for any loss or damage 
incurred by reason thereof, and, where any difference or dispute arises as to the amount of such 
compensation, the matter shall be determined by arbitration.  
 15. Laying of electric supply -lines or other works near sewers, pipes or other electric 
supply-lines works.–(1) Where–  
 
 
Page 18 of 49 
 
(a)  the licensee requires to dig or sink, any trench for laying down any new electric 
supply-lines or other works, near to  which any sewer, drain, water -course or 
work under the control of the 1[Provincial Government] or of any local 
authority, or any pipe, syphon, electric supply -line or other work belonging to 
any duly authorized person, has been lawfully placed, or  
(b)  any duly authorized person requires to dig or sink any trench for laying down 
or constructing any new pipes or other works, near to which any electric supply-
lines or works of a licensee have been lawfully placed, the licensee or such duly 
authorized person, as the case may be (hereinafter in this section referred to as 
“the operator”), shall, unless it is otherwise agreed upon between the parties 
interested or in case of sudden emergency, give to the 1[Provincial Government] 
or local authority, or to such duly authorized person or to the licensee, as the 
case may be (hereinafter in this section referred to as “the owner”), not less than 
forty-eight hours’ notice in writing before commencing to dig or sink the trench 
and the owner shall have the right to be present during the execution of the work, 
which shall be executed to the reasonable satisfaction of the owner.  
 (2) Where the operator finds it necessary to undermine, but not to alter, the position o f any 
pipe, electric supply-line or work, he shall support it in position during the execution of the work, and 
before completion shall provide a suitable and proper foundation for it where so undermined.  
 (3) Where the operator (being the licensee) lays any electric supply-line across, or so as to be 
liable to touch, any pipes, lines or service -pipes or service -lines belonging to any duly authorized 
person or to any person supplying, transmitting or using energy under this Act, he shall not, except 
with the written consent of such person and in accordance with section 34, sub -section (1), lay his 
electric supply lines so as to come into contact with any such pipes, lines or service pipes or service -
lines.  
 (4) Where the operator makes default in complying  with any of the provisions of this section, 
he shall make full compensation for any loss or damage incurred by reason thereof.  
 (5) Where any difference or dispute arises under this, section, the matter shall be determined 
by arbitration.  
 (6) Where the licensee is a local authority, the -references in this section to the local authority 
and to sewers, drains, water courses or works under its control shall not apply.  
 16. Streets, railways, tramways, sewers, drains or tunnels broken up to be reinstated 
without delay.–(1) Where any person, in exercise of any of the powers conferred by or under this Act, 
opens or breaks up the soil or pavement of any street, railway or tramway, or any sewer, drain or 
tunnel, he shall–  
  (a)  immediately cause the part opened or broken up to be fenced and guarded;  
(b)  before sunset cause a light or lights, sufficient for the warning of passengers, to 
be set up and maintained until sunrise against or near the part opened or broken 
up;  
lSubs. by A. 0., 1937, for “L, G.”, 17  
 
Page 19 of 49 
 
(c)  with all reasonable speed fill in the ground and reinstate and make good the soil 
or pavement, or the sewer, drain or tunnel, opened or broken up, and carry away 
the rubbish occasioned by such opening or breaking up ; and  
(d)  after reinstating and making good the soil or pavement, or the sewer, drain or 
tunnel broken or opened up, keep the same in good repair for three months and 
for any further period, not exceeding nine months, during which subsidence 
continues.  
 (2) Where any person fails to comply with any of the provisions of sub-section (1), the person 
having the control or management of the street, railway, tramway, sewer, drain or tunnel in respect of 
which the default has occurred, may cause to be executed the work which the defaulter has delayed or 
omitted to execute, and may recover from him the expenses incurred in such execution.  
 (3) Where any difference or dispute arises as to the amount of the expenses incurred under sub-
section (2), the matter shall be determined by arbitration. .  
 17. Notice to telegraph authority.–(1) A licensee shall, before laying down or placing, within 
ten yards of any part of any telegraph -line, any electric supply -line or other works l[not being either 
service lines] or electric supply-lines for the repair, renewal or amendment of existing works of which 
the character or position is not to be altered), give not less than ten days notice in writing to the 
telegraph-authority, specifying–  
(a)  the course of the works or alteration proposed,  
(b)  the manner in which the works are to be utilised,  
(c)  the amount and nature of the energy to be transmitted, and  
(d)  the extent to, and manner in, which (if at all) earth returns are to be used; and 
the licensee shall conform with such reasonable requirements, either general or 
special, as may be laid down by the telegraph authority within that period for 
preventing any telegraph-line from being injuriously affected by such works or 
alterations:  
 Provided that, in case of emergency (which shall be stated by the licensee in writing to the 
telegraph-authority) arising from defects in any of the electric supply -lines or other works of the 
licensee, the licensee shall be required to give only such notice as may be possible after the nece ssity 
for the proposed new works or alterations has arisen.  
 (2) Where the works to be executed consist of the laying 2[or placing] of any 3[*] service line 
4[* * *], the licensee shall, not less than forty -eight hours before commencing the work, serve upon 
the telegraph-authority a notice in writing of his intention to execute such works.  
 
 
lSubs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 ( I of 1922), s. 4, for “n ot being service lines immediately attached or intended to be immediately 
attacked to a distributing main”.  
2Ins. ibid. 19  
3The word “underground” omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 4.  
4The words “immediately attached, or intended to be immediately attached to a distributing main” omitted ibid.  
 
 
Page 20 of 49 
 
 18. Aerial lines.–(1) Save as provided in section 13, sub-section (3), nothing in this Part shall 
be deemed to authorize or empower a licensee to place any aerial line along or across any street, 
railway, tramway, canal or waterway unless and until the 1[Provincial Government] has communicated 
to him a general approval in writing of the methods of construction which he proposes to adopt:  
 Provided that the communication of such approval shall in no way relieve the licensee of his 
obligations with respect to any other consent required by or under this Act.  
 (2) Where any aerial line has been placed or maintained by a licensee in breach of the provisions 
of sub-section (1), the 1[Provincial Government] may require the licensee forthwith to remove the 
same, or may cause the sa me to be removed, and recover from the licensee the expenses incurred in 
such removal.  
 2[(3) Where any tree standing or lying near an aerial line, or where any structure or other object 
which has been placed or has fallen near an aerial line subsequently  to the placing of such line, 
interrupts or interferes with, or is likely to interrupt or interfere with, the conveyance or transmission 
of energy or the accessibility of any works, a Magistrate of the first class 3[* * * ] may, on the 
application of the licensee, cause the tree, structure or object to be removed or otherwise dealt with, as 
he thinks fit.]  
 (4) When disposing of an application under sub-section (3), the Magistrate 4[* * *] shall, in the 
case of any tree in existence before the placing of the aerial line, award to the person interested in the 
tree such compensation as he thinks reasonable, and such person may recover the same from the 
licensee.  
 5[Explanation.-For the purposes of this section, the expression “tree” shall be deemed to 
include any shrub, hedge, jungle growth or other plant.]  
 19. Compensation for damage. –(1) A licensee shall, in exercise of any of the powers 
conferred by or under this Act, cause as little damage, detriment and inconvenience as may be, and 
shall make full compe nsation for any damage, detriment or inconvenience caused by him or by any 
one employed by him.  
 (2) Save in the case Provided for in Section 12, Sub-section (3), where any difference or dispute 
arises as to the amount or the application of such compensat ion, the matter shall be determined by 
arbitration.  
Supply 
 6[19A. Point where supply is delivered.–For the purposes of this Act, the point at which the 
supply of energy by a licensee to a consumer shall be deemed to commence shall be determined in 
such manner as may be prescribed.] 
 
 
1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”  
2Subs. by Act I of 1922, s. 5, for the original sub-section (3).  
3The original words “or in a Presidency-town or Rangoon, the Commissioner of Police” as amended by A. O., 1937, were omitted by A. O., 1949.  
4The words “or Commissioner of Police, as the case may be,” omitted by A. O., 1949.  
5Explanation ins. by Act I of 1922, s. 5. 20  
6Section 19A ins. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 6.  
 
 
 
Page 21 of 49 
 
 1[20. Power for licensee to enter premises and to remove fittings or other apparatus of 
licensee.–(1) A Licensee or any person duly authorised by the licensee may, at any reasonable time, 
and on informing the occupier of his intention, enter the premises to which energy is or has been, or is 
to be, supplied by him, for the purpose of–  
(a)  examining, inspecting and testing the electric supply -lines, meters, maximum 
demand indicators or other measuring apparatus, electric wires, fittings, works 
and apparatus for the supply or use of energy, whether belonging to the licensee 
or to the consumer; or  
(b)  ascertaining the amount of energy supplied or the electrical quantity contained 
in the supply or the apparatus; or  
(c)  removing, where a supply of energy is no longer required, or where the licensee 
is authorised to take away and cut off such supply, any electric supply -lines, 
meters, maximum demand indicators or other measuring apparatus, fittings, 
works or apparatus belonging to the licensee:  
 Provided that, where a consumer’s apparatus is involved, no person shall be deemed to have 
been so authorised by the licensee unless, at the time of entry into such premises, he is in possession 
of a written authorisation from the secretary, manager or any other officer of the licensee not below 
the rank of a Divisional Officer in the Public Works Department:  Provided further that previous 
permission of the District Magistrate shall be necessary for making such entry into the premises of a 
domestic consumer.  
 (2) Where a consumer refuses to allow a licensee or any person authorised as aforesaid to enter 
his premises in pursuance of the provisions of sub-section (1) or, when such licensee or person has so 
entered, refuses to allow him to perform any act which he is authorised by that sub-section to perform, 
or fails to give reasonable facilities for such entry or performance, the licensee may, after the expiry 
of twenty-four hours from the service of a notice in writing on the consumer, cut off the supply to the 
consumer for so long as such refusal or failure- continues, but for no longer. ]  
 21. Restrictions on licensee’s controlling or interfering with use of energy.–(1) A licensee 
shall not be entitled to prescribe any special form of appliance for utilising energy supplied by him, or, 
save as provided by section 23, sub-section (2), or by section 26, sub-section (7), in any way to control 
or interfere with the use of such energy:  
 2[Provided that no person may adopt any form of appliance, or use the energy supplied to him, 
so as unduly or improperly to interfere with the safety or efficient working of the electric supply-lines 
or works of the licensee or with the supply by the licensee of energy to any other person:  
 Provided further that, if the licensee requires a consumer, desiring to use, or using, the energy 
for running an electric motor excepting single phase motor for domestic use, to install a capacitor 
therewith, the consumer shall not so use the energy without installing the capacitor to the satisfaction 
of the licensee who, shall, if so required by the consumer, cause the consumer to be supplied with the 
capacitor on payment of its cost.] 
 
1Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 ( LXII of 1979), s. 3, for the original section 20 which had previously been amended by various 
enactments.  
2Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt) Ordinance 1979 (LXII of 1979) s. 4, for the original Proviso.  
 
 
Page 22 of 49 
 
 1[(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), a licensee may, with the previous sanction of 
the 2[Provincial Government], given-after consulting the local authority, where the licensee is not the 
local authority, make conditions not inconsistent with this Act or with his license or with any rules 
made under this Act, to regulate his relations with persons who are or intend to become consumers, 
and may, with the like sanction given after the like consultation add to or alter or amend any such 
conditions; and any conditions made by a licensee without such sanction shall be null and void:  
 Provided that any such conditions made before the 23rd day of January 1922 shall, if sanctioned 
by the 2[Provincial Government] on application made by the licensee befo re such date as the 
l[Provincial Government] may, by general or special order, fix in this behalf, be deemed to have been 
made in accordance with the provisions of this sub-section.  
 (3) The 2[Provincial Government] may, after the like consultation, cancel any condition or part 
of a condition previously sanctioned under sub - section (2) after giving to the licensee not less than 
one month’s notice in writing of its intention so to do.]  
 3[(4)] Where any difference or dispute arises as to whether a license e has prescribed any 
appliance or controlled or interfered with the use of energy in contravention of sub -section (1), the 
matter shall be either referred to an Electric Inspector, and decided by him or, if the licensee or 
consumer so desires, determined by arbitration.  
 22. Obligation on licensee to supply energy. –Where energy is supplied by a licensee, every 
person within the area of supply shall, except in so far as is otherwise provided by the terms and 
conditions of the license, be entitled, on application, to a supply on the same terms as those on which 
any other person in the same area is entitled in similar circumstances to a corresponding supply:  
 Provided that no person shall be entitled to demand, or to continue to receive, from a licensee 
a supply of energy for any premises having a separate supply unless he has agreed with the licensee to 
pay to him such minimum annual sum as will give him a reasonable return on the capital expenditure, 
and will cover other standing charges incurred by him in order to meet the possible maximum demand 
for those premises, the sum payable to be determined in case of difference or dispute by arbitration.  
 23. Charges for energy to be made without undue preference. –(1) A licensee shall not, in 
making any agreement for the supply of energy, show undue preference to any person, but may, save 
as aforesaid, make such charges for the supply of energy as may be agreed upon,  not exceeding the 
limits imposed by his license.  
 (2) No consumer shall, except with the consent in writing of the licensee, use energy supplied 
to him under one method of charging in a manner for which a higher method of charging is in force.  
 4[(3) In the absence of an agreement to the contrary, a licensee may charge for energy supplied 
by him to any consumer– 
(a)  by the actual amount of energy so supplied, or  
(b)  by the electrical quantity contained in the supply, or  
 
1Sub. sections (2) and (3) ins. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922) s. 8.  
2Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”. 22  
3The original sub-section (2) was re-numbered as sub-section (4) by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922, (I of 1922) s. 8.  
4Sub-sections (3) and (4) ins. ibid., s. 9. 23  
 
 
Page 23 of 49 
 
    (c)  by such other method as may be approved by the l[Provincial Government].  
 (4) Any charges made by a licensee under clause (c) of sub-section (3) may be based upon, and 
vary in accordance with, any one or more of the following considerations, namely:___  
(a)  the consumer’s load factor, or  
(b)  the power factor of his load, or  
(c)  his total consumption of energy during any stated period, or  
(d)  the hours at which the supply of energy is required.]  
 2[24. Discontinuance of supply to consumer neglecting to pay charge. –(1) where any 
consumer neglects to pay any charge for energy or any sum, other than a charge for energy, assessed 
against him by a licensee in respect of supply of energy to his premises, the licensee may after giving 
not less than seven clear days’ notice in writing to such consumer and without prejudice to his right to 
recover such charge or other sum by suit or otherwise, cut off the supply and for that purpose cut or 
disconnect any electric supply-line or other works, being the property of the licensee, through which 
energy may be supplied to such premises or to any other premises, other than domestic premises, 
running distinctly in the name of such consumer, and may discontinue the supply until such charge or 
other sum, together with any expenses incurred by him in cutting off and reconnecting the supply and 
the minimum charges on account of continued reservation of supply during the period of such 
discontinuance, are paid, but not loger.  
 (2) Where any difference or dispute as to any matter connected with any charge or other sum 
included in the bill of a licensee has been referred by a consumer under this Act to an Electric Inspector 
before the notice as aforesaid has been given by the licensee, the licensee shall not exercise the powers 
conferred by sub-section (1) until the Inspector has given his decision:  
 Provided that the prohibition contained in this sub-section shall not apply in any case in which 
the licensee has made a request in writing to the consumer for a deposit with the licensee of the 
undisputed charges and other sums and with the Electric Inspector of fifty per cent of the disputed 
charges and other sums and for the deposit with the licensee of further charges for supply of energy, 
as they accrue, and the consumer has failed to comply with such request with in a period of fifteen 
days from the date of such request or, as the case may be, from the date of receipt of bills in respect of 
further charges for supply of energy.]  
 25. Exemption of electric supply lines or other apparatus from attachment in certain 
cases.–Where any electric supply-lines, meters, fittings, works or apparatus belonging to a licensee are 
placed in or upon any premises, not being in the possession of the licensee, for the purpose of supplying 
energy, such electric supply-lines, meters, fittings, works and apparatus shall not be liable to be taken 
in execution under any process of any Civil Court o r in any proceedings in insolvency against the 
person in whose possession the same may be. .  
 
 
1Subs. by A. O.,1937, for “L. G.”.  
2Subs. by the the Electr icity (Amdt). Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 5, which has previously been amended by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 
1922, (I of 1922), s. 10. 24  
 
Page 24 of 49 
 
 26. Meters.–(1) In the absence of an agreement to the contrary, the amount of energy supplied 
to a consumer or the electrical quantity contained in the supply shall be ascertained by means of a 
correct meter, 1[, maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] and the licensee shall, 
if required by the consumer, cause the consumer to be supplied with such a meter 1[maximum demand 
indicator and other measuring apparatus]:  
 Provided that the licensee may require the consumer to give him security for the price of a 
meter 1[, maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] and enter into an agreement for 
the hire thereof, unless the consumer elects to purchase a meter 1[, maximum demand indicator and 
other measuring apparatus].  
 (2) Where the consumer so enters into an agreement for the hire of a meter 1[maximum demand 
indicator and other measuring apparatus] the licensee shall keep the meter 1[maximum demand 
indicator and other measuring apparatus] correct, and, in default of his doing so, the consumer shall, 
for so long as the default continues, cease to be liable to pay for the hire of the meter 1[maximum 
demand indicator and other measuring apparatus].  
 (3) Where the meter 1[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] is the 
property of the consumer, he shall keep the meter 1[maximum demand indicator and other measuring 
apparatus] correct, and, in default of his doing so, the licensee may, after giving him seven days’ notice, 
for so long as the default continues, cease to supply energy through the mete r l[maximum demand 
indicator and other measuring apparatus].  
 (4) The licensee or any person dilly authorized by the licensee shall, at any reasonable time and 
on informing the consumer of his intention, have access to, and be at liberty to inspect and test, and 
for that purpose, if he thinks fit, take off and remove , any meter referred to in sub -section (1) ; and, 
except where the meter 1[, maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] is so hired as 
aforesaid, all reasonable expenses of, and incidental to, such inspecting, testing, taking off and 
removing shall, if the meter 1[, maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] is found 
to be otherwise than correct, be recovered from the consumer; and, where any difference or dispute 
arises as to the amount of such reasonable expenses, the matter shal l be referred to an Electric 
Inspector, and the decision of such Inspector shall be final:  
 Provided that the licensee shall not be at liberty to take off or remove any such meter 
1[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus]if any difference or dispute of the nature 
described in sub-section (6) has arisen until the matter has been determined as therein provided.  
 (5) A consumer shall not connect any meter 1[maximum demand indicator and other measuring 
apparatus] referred to in sub-section (1) with any electric supply-line through which energy is supplied 
by a licensee, or disconnect the same from any such electric supply -line, without 2[obtaining the 
consent of the licensee in writing which shall not be un-reasonably withheld by the licensee].  
 3[(5A) A consumer shall not injure any meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring 
apparatus, or alter their indexes or prevent them from duly registering the amount of energy supplied 
or the electrical quantity contained in the supply.]  
 
1Ins. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 6. 25  
2Subs. ibid., for “giving to the licensee not less than forty-eight hours notice in writing of his intention.”  
3New sub-section (5A) ins. ibid., 
 
Page 25 of 49 
 
 1[(6) Where any difference or dispute arises between a licensee and a consumer as to whether 
any meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus is or is not correct the matter 
shall be decided, upon the application of either party, by an Electric Inspector, within a period of ninety 
days from the date of receipt of such application, after affording the parties an opportunity of being 
heard, and where the meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus has, in the 
opinion of the Electric Inspector, ceased to be correct, the Electric Inspector shall estimate the amount 
of energy supplied to the consumer or the electrical quantity contained in the supply, during such time 
as the meter, indicator or apparatus has not, in the opinion of the Electric Inspector, been correct; and, 
where the Electric Inspector, fails to decide the matter of difference or dispute within the said period 
or where either the licensee or the consumer decline to accept the decision of the Electric Inspector, 
the matter shall be referred to the Provincial Government whose decision shall be final:  
 Provided that, before either a licensee or a consumer applies to the Electric Inspector under this 
sub-section, he shall give to the other party not less than seven days’ notice of his intention so to do.]  
 (7) In addition to any meter 2[maximum demand indicator and other measuring apparatus] 
which may be placed upon the premises of a consumer in pursuance of the provisions of sub -section 
(1), the licensee may place upon such 2[other] premises such meter, maximum demand indicator or 
other apparatus as he may think fit for the purpose of ascertaining or regulating either the amount of 
energy supplied to the consumer, or the number of hours during which the supply is given, or the rate 
per unit of time at which energy is supplied to the consumer, or any other quantity or time connected 
with the supply:  
 Provided that the meter, indicator or apparatus shall not, in the absence of an agreement to the 
contrary, be placed otherw ise than between the distributing mains of the licensee and any meter 
referred to in sub-section (1):  
 Provided, also, that, where the charges for the supply of energy depend wholly or partly upon 
the reading or indication of any such meter, indicator or apparatus as aforesaid, the licensee shall, in 
the absence of an agreement to the contrary, keep the meter, indicator or apparatus correct; and the 
provisions of subsections (4), (5) 2[, 5A] and (6) shall in that case apply as though the meter, indicator 
or apparatus were a meter referred to in sub-section (1).  
 Explanation.-A meter shall be deemed to be “correct” if it registers the amount of energy 
supplied, or the electrical quantity contained in the supply, within the prescribed limits of error, and a 
maximum demand indicator or other apparatus 3[* * *] shall be deemed to be “correct” if it complies 
with such conditions as may be prescribed in the case of any such indicator or other apparatus.  
 4[26A. Dishonest abstraction or consumption of energy. –Notwithstanding anything 
contained in section 23, the licensee may charge the consumer on the basis of one or more of the 
following considerations for the amount of energy deemed to have been dishonestly abstracted, 
consumed or used, for the period during which the meter, maximum demand indicator or other 
measuring apparatus had, in the opinion of the licensee, remained connected, disconnected, injured, 
altered or prevented from registering the amount of energy supplied or the electrical quantity contained 
in the supply:__  
 
1Subs. ibid., for the original sub-section (6), which had been amended by A. O., 1937, and Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 11. 26  
2Ins. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s.6  
3The words “referred to in sub-section (7)” omitted ibid., s. 6.  
4New section 26A ins. ibid., s. 7. 27  
 
 
Page 26 of 49 
 
  (a)  consumer’s connected load or maximum demand in kilowatt during any period;  
(b)  consumer’s maximum consumption of energy in kilowatt hours duri ng any 
period;  
(c)  consumer’s load factor;  
(d)  the power factor of consumer’s load;  
(e)  the hours and the time for which the energy is deemed to have been abstracted, 
consumed or used by the consumer ; and  
(f)  the purpose for which the energy is deemed to have been abstracted, consumed 
or used by the consumer.]  
 27. Supply of energy outside area of supply. –Notwithstanding anything in this Act, the 
l[Provincial Government] may, by order in writing, and subject to such conditions and restrictions, if  
any, as it thinks fit to impose, authorize any licensee to supply energy to any person outside the area 
of supply, and to lay down or place electric supply-lines for that purpose:  
 Provided, first, that no such authority shall be conferred on the license e within the area of 
supply of another licensee without that licensee’s consent, unless the l[Provincial Government] 
considers that his consent has been unreasonably withheld:  
 Provided, secondly, that such authority shall not be conferred unless the pers on to whom the 
supply is to be given has entered into a specific agreement with the licensee for the taking of such 
supply:  
 Provided, thirdly, that a licensee on whom such authority has been conferred shall not be 
deemed to be empowered outside the area of supply to open or break up any street, or any sewer, drain 
or tunnel in or under any street, railway or tramway, or to inte rfere with any telegraph -line, without 
the written consent of the local authority or person by whom such street, sewer, drain or tunnel is 
repairable, or of the telegraph -authority, as the case may be, 2[unless the 1[Provincial Government], 
after such inquiry as it thinks fit, considers that such consent has been unreasonably withheld] :  
 Provided, fourthly, that, save as aforesaid, the provisions of this Act shall apply in the case of 
any supply authorized under this section as if the said supply were made within the area of supply.  
PART III 
 
SUPPLY, TRANSMISSION AND USE OF ENERGY BY NON-LICENSEES 
 28. Sanction required by non-licensees in certain cases.–(1) No person, other than a licensee, 
shall engage in the business of supplying energy except with the previous sanction of the l[Provincial 
Government] and in accordance with such conditions as the 1[Provincial Government] may fix in this 
behalf, and any agreement to the contrary shall be void:  
 3[*  *  *  *  *  *  *]  
 
1Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “L.G.”  
2Ins. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act 1922 (I of 1922), s. 12. 28  
3The first proviso omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1921), s. 13.  
 
 
 
Page 27 of 49 
 
 Provided 2[*] that such sanction shall not be given within the area for which a local authority 
is constituted, without that local authority’s consent, or within the area of supply of any licensee, 
without that licensee’s consent, unlesss the l[Provincial Government] considers that consent has been 
unreasonably withheld.  
 (2) Where any difference or dispute arises as to whether any person is or is not engaging, or 
about to engage, in the business of supplying energy within the meaning of sub-section (1), the matter 
shall be referred to the l[Provincial Government], and the decision of the l[Provincial Government] 
thereon shall be final.  
 29. Power for non -licensees to break up streets. –(1) The local authority may, by order in 
writing, confer and impose upon any person, who has obtained the sanction of the l[Provincial 
Government] under section 28 to engage in the business of supplying energy, all or any of the powers 
and liabilities of a licensee under sections 12 to 19, both inclusive, and the provisions of the said 
sections shall thereupon apply as if such person were a licensee under Part II.  
 (2) A local authority, not being a licensee, shall, for the purpose of lighting any street, have the 
powers and be subject to the liabilities respectively conferred and imposed by sections 12 to 19, both 
inclusive, so far as applicable, as if it were a licensee under Part II.  
 (3) In cases other than those for which provision is made by sub -section (1), the person 
responsible for the repair of any street may, by order in writing, confer and impose upon any person 
who proposes to tra nsmit energy in such street all or any of the powers and liabilities of a licensee 
under sections 12 to 19 (both inclusive), in so far as the same relate to_  
(a)  opening or breaking up of the soil or pavement of such street, or  
(b)  laying down or placi ng electric supply -lines in, under, along or across such 
street, or  
(c)  repairing, altering or removing such electric supply lines, and thereupon the 
provisions of the said sections shall, so far as aforesaid, apply to such person as 
if he were a licensee under Part II.  
 (4) If no order is made within fourteen days after the receipt of an application for the same 
under sub-section (1) or sub-section (3), the order so applied for shall be deemed to have been refused, 
and every order, and every refusal to make an order, under sub-section (1) or sub-section (3), shall be 
subject to revision by the l[Provincial Government].  
 3[29A. Application of section 18 to aerial lines maintained by railways. –The provisions of 
sub-section (3) and (4) of section 18 and of the Explanation thereto shall apply in the case of any aerial 
line placed by any railway administration as defined in section 3 of the Railways Act, 1890 (IX o f 
1890), as if references therein to the licensee were references to the railway administration.]  
30. Control of transmission and use of energy.–(1) No person, other than a licensee duly authorized 
under the terms of his license, shall transmit or use energy at a rate exceeding two hundre d and fifty 
watts,___  
 
1Subs. by A. O., 1937 for “L. G.”.  
2The word “also” omitted ibid. 29  
3S. 29A ins. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1923 (XL of 1923), s. 2.  
 
Page 28 of 49 
 
  
(a)  in any street, or  
(b)  in any place,  
(i)  in which one hundred or more persons are likely ordinarily to be 
assembled, or  
(ii)  which is a factory within the meaning of 1[Factories Act, 1934(XXV of 
1934)], or  
(iii)  which is a mine within the meaning of the 2[Mines Act, 1923 (IV of 
1923)] 3[or  
3(iv)  to which the 4[Provincial Government], by general or special order, 
declares the provisions of this sub-section to apply,]  
 without giving not less than seven clear days’ notice in writing of his intention to the District 
Magistrate, 5[* * *] and complying with such of the provisions of Part IV, and of the rules made there 
under, as may be applicable:  
 Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to energy used for the public carriage of 
passengers, animals or goods on, or for the lighting or ven tilation of the rolling-stock of, any railway 
or tramway subject to the provisions of the Railways Act, 1890 (IX of 1890):  
 Provided, also that the 4[Provincial Government] may, by general or special order and subject 
to such conditions and restrictions a s may be specified therein, exempt from the application of this 
section or of any such provision or rule as aforesaid any person or class of persons using energy on 
premises upon or in connection with which it is generated, or using energy supplied under P art II in 
any place specified in clause (b).  
 (2) Where any difference or dispute arises as to whether a place is or is not one in which one 
hundred or more persons are likely ordinarily to be assembled, the matter shall be referred to the 
4[Provincial Government], and the decision of the 4[Provincial Government] thereon shall be final.  
 (3) The provisions of this section shall be binding on the 6[Government].  
PATR IV 
 
GENERAL 
 
Protective Clauses 
 
 
1Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), s. 3 and Second Sch., for “Indian Factories Act, 1911”.  
2Subs. ibid for “Indian Mines Act, 1901”.  
3The word “or” and sub-clause (iv) ins. by Act I of 1922 s. 14.  
4Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.  
5The original words “or in a Presidency-town or Rangoon to the Commissioner of Police” as amended by A. O., 1937, were omitted by the Federal Laws 
(Revision and Declaration) Act. 1951 (XXVI of 1951), s. 3 and Second Sch. 30  
6Subs. by A. O., 1961, Art. 2, for “Crown” (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).  
 
 
Page 29 of 49 
 
 31. Protection of railways and canals, docks, wharves and piers. –No person shall, in the 
generation, transmission, supply or use of energy, in any way injure any railway, tramway, canal or 
waterway or any dock, wharf or pier vested in or controlled by a local authority, or obstruct or interfere 
with the traffic on any railway, tramway, canal or water-way.  
 32. Protection of telegraphic, telephonic and electric signaling lines.–(1) Every person 
generating, transmitting, supplying or using energy (hereinafter in th is section referred to as the) 
operator’ shall take all reasonable precautions in constructing, laying down and placing his electric 
supply-lines and other works and in working his system, so as not injuriously to affect, whether by 
induction, or otherwise the working of any wire or line used for the purpose of telegraphic, telephonic, 
or electric signalling communication, or the currents in such wire or line.  
 (2) Where any difference or dispute arises between the operator and the telegraph-authority as 
to whether the operator has constructed, laid down or placed his electric supply -lines or other works, 
or worked his system, in contravention of sub -section (1), or as to whether the working of any wire, 
line or current is or is not injuriously affected thereby, the matter shall be referred to 1[the 2[Federal 
Government] ; and 1[the 2[Federal Government]; unless 3[it] is of opinion that the wire or line has been 
placed in unreasonable proximity to the electric supply -lines or works of the operator after the 
construction of such lines or works, may direct the operator to make such alterations in, or additions 
to, his system as may be necessary in order to comply wit h the provisions of this section, and the 
operator shall make such alterations or additions accordingly:  
 Provided that nothing in this sub -section shall apply to the repair, renewal or amendment of 
any electric supply-line so long as the course of the electric supply-line and the amount and nature of 
the energy transmitted thereby are not altered.  
 (3) Where the operator makes default in complying with the requirements of, this section, he 
shall make full compensation for any loss or damage incurred by r eason thereof, and, where any 
difference or dispute arises as to the amount of such compensation, the matter shall be determined by 
arbitration.  
 Explanation.-For the purposes of this section, a telegraph line shall be deemed to be injuriously 
affected if  telegraphic, telephonic or electric signaling communication by means of such line is, 
whether through induction or otherwise prejudicially interfered with by an electric supply line or work 
or by any use made thereof.  
 33. Notice of accidents and inquiri es.–4[(1) If any accident occurs in connection with the 
generation, transmission, supply or use of energy in, or in connection with, any part of the electric 
supply-lines or other works of any person, and the accident results or is likely to have resulted in loss 
of life or personal injury, such person shall give notice of the occurrence, and of any loss of life or 
personal injury actually occasioned by, the accident, in such form and within such time and to such 
authorities as the 5[Provincial Government] may, by general or special older, direct.]  
 (2) The 2[Provincial Government] may, if it thinks fit, require any Electric Inspector, or any 
other competent person appointed by it in this behalf, to inquire and report__  
 
1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “the L. G.”, which had been subs. for “G. G. in C.” by the Devolution Act, 1920 (XXXVIII of 1920), s. 2 and First Sch.  
2Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”.  
3Subs. by Act XXXVIII of 1920, s. 2 and First Sch for “he”. 31  
4Subs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922),: s. 15, for the original sub-section (1).  
5Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.  
 
Page 30 of 49 
 
(a)  as to the cause of any accident affecting the safety of the public, which may 
have been occasioned by, or in connection with the generation, transmission, 
supply or use of energy, or  
(b)  as to the manner in, and extent to, which the provisions of this Ac t or of any 
license or rules thereunder, so far as those provisions affect the safety of any 
person, have been complied with.  
 34. Prohibition of connection with earth, and power for Government to interfere in 
certain cases of default.–(1) No person shall, in the generation, transmission supply or use of energy, 
permit any part of his electric supply -lines to be connected with earth except so far as may be 
prescribed in this behalf or may be specially sanctioned by the 1[Provincial Government.]  
 (2) If at any time it is established to the satisfaction of the 1[Provincial Government]___  
(a) that any part of an electric supply -line is connected with earth contrary to the 
provisions of sub-section (1), or  
(b)  that any electric supply -lines or othe r works for the generation, transmission, 
supply or use of energy are attended with danger to the public safety or to human 
life or injuriously affect any telegraph-line, or  
(c)  that any electric supply -lines or other works are defective so as not to be in 
accordance with the provisions of this Act or of any rule thereunder,  
 1[Provincial Government] may, by order in writing, specify the matter complained of and 
require the owner or user of such electric supply -lines or other works to remedy it in such m anner as 
shall be specified in the order, and may also in like manner forbid the use of any electric supply -line 
or works until the older is complied with or for such time as is specified in the order.  
Administration and Rules 
 35. Advisory Boards.–(1) The 2[* * *] l[Provincial Government] may, for the whole or any 
part of the Province, by notification in the 3[official] Gazette], 4[* * *], constitute an Advisory Board.  
 (2) 5[The Board] shall consist of a chairman and not less than two other members.  
 6[*  *  *  *  *  *  *]  
 7[(3) 8[The Provincial Government] may, by general or special order,–  
 
 
1Subs. ibid., for the words “Local Government” which had been subs., for “Governor General in Council ” by the Devolution Act, 1920 (XXXVIII of 
1920), s. 2 and First Sch. 32  
2The words “Central Government may, for the whole or any part of Pakistan and each” as amended by A. O., 1937, A. O., 1949, an d the Central Laws 
(Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (XXI of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.(with effect from the 14th October, 1955), have been omitted by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 
and Sch.  
3Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Gazette of India”.  
4The words “or the local official Gazette, as the case may be” omitted, ibid.  
5Subs. by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch. for “Every such Board”.  
6Sub-section (3) omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 16.  
7The original sub-section (4) was re-numbered as sub-section (3), ibid.  
8The original words “The G.G. in C. or the L.G. as the case may be have successivly been amended by A.O., 1937 and A. O., 1964 , Art. 2 and Sch., to 
read as above.  
 
Page 31 of 49 
 
1[(a)  determine the number of members of which 2[the Board] shall be constituted 
and the manner in which such members shall be appointed,]  
1[(b)]  define the duties and regulate the procedure of 2[the Board],  
1[(e)]  determine the tenure of office of the members of 2[the Board], and  
1[(d)]  give directions as to the payment of fees to, and the travelling expenses incurred 
by, any member of 2[the Board] in the performance of his duty.  
 36. Appointment of Electric Inspectors.–3[* * * * * * *]  
 (2) The 4[Provincial Government) may, by notification in the 5[official Gazette], appoint duly 
qualified persons to be Electric Inspectors within such areas as may be assigned to them respectively; 
and every Inspector so appointed shall 6[* * *] exercise the powers and perform the functions of an 
Electric Inspector under this Act subject to such restrictions as the 4[Provincial Government] may 
direct.  
 (3) In the absence of express provision to the contrary in this Act, or any rule thereunder, an 
appeal shall lie from the decision of an Electric Inspecto r to the 7[Provincial Government] or, if the 
Provincial Government, by general or special order, so directs, to the Advisory Board].  
 8[36A. Electricity Board. –9[(1) A Board to be called the Federal Electricity Board shall be 
constituted to exercise the powers conferred by section 37.  
 (2) The Federal Electricity Board shall consist of the following members, namely:___  
(a)  a Chairman to be nominated by the Federal Government;  
(b)  one member each to be nominated by the Provincial Governments of the Punjab, 
North-West Frontier Province, Sind and Baluchistan;  
(c)  one member to be nominated by the Federal Government for Islamabad Capital 
Territory; and  
(d)  one member to be nominated by the Chairman of the Railway Board:  
Provided that if at any time it seems fit to do so the Federal Government may appoint not more 
than two additional members.] 
 
 
1Clauses (a), (b) and (c) were re-lettered as clauses (b), (c) and (d) respectively, by Act I of 1922, s. 16.  
2Subs. by A.O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch. for “any such Board”.  
3The original sub-section (1) as amended by A. O., 1937, has been omitted by A.O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch.  
4Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.  
5Subs. ibid., for “local official Gazette”.  
6The words “except in relation to mines, oil-fields and railways” which were ins. by A. O., 1937, have been omitted by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch.  
7Subs. by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for certain original words as amended by A. O., 1937 and the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922) s. 
17.  
8Section 36A ins. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1937 (X of 1937), s. 3.  
9Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and Second Sch., for sub-sections (1) and (2) which had been 
amended by various enactments from time to time.   
 
Page 32 of 49 
 
   (3) Any vacancy occurring in the Board 1[* * *], shall be filled as soon as may be by a 
nomination made by the authority by whom the member vacating office was nominated.  
 (4) The Board shall have full power to regulate by by-laws or otherwise its own procedure and 
the conduct of all business to be transacted by it.  
 (5) The powers of the 2[Federal Electricity Board] may be exercised notwithstanding any 
vacancy in the Board.]  
 37. Power for Board to make rules.–(1) The 3[Federal Electricity Board may make rules] to 
regulate the generation transmission, supply and use of energy and, generally, to carry out the purposes 
and objects of this Act.  
 (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules 
may___  
(a)  prescribe the form of applications for licenses and the payments to be made in 
respect thereof;  
(b)  regulate the publication of notices;  
(c)  prescribe the manner in which objections with reference to any application 
under Part II are to be made;  
(d)  provide for the preparation and submission of accounts by licensees in a 
specified form;  
(e)  provide for the securing of a regular, constant and sufficient supply of energy 
by licensees to consumers and for the testing at various parts of the system of 
the regularity and sufficiency of such supply and for the examination of the 
records of such tests by consumers;  
(f)  provide for the protection of persons and property from injury by reason of 
contact with, or the proximity of, or by reason of the defective or dangerous 
condition of, any appliance or apparatus used in the generation, transmission,  
supply or use of energy;  
(g)  for the purposes of electric traction regulate the employment of insulated 
returns, or of uninsulated metallic returns of low resistance, in order to prevent 
fusion or injurious electrolytic action of or on metallic pipes, s tructures or 
substances, and to minimise, as far as is reasonably practicable, injurious 
interference with the electric wires, supply -lines and apparatus of parties other 
than the owners of the electric traction system, or with the currents therein, 
whether the earth is used as a return or not;  
1The words “otherwise than by the expiry of the term of office of the member referred to in clause ( e) of sub-section (2)” omitted by Ordinance XXI of 
1960, s. 3 and 2nd Sch., (with effect from the 14th October, 1955).  
2Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 s. 3, and Second Sch., for “Electricity Board” which had  been amended by A. 
O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch.  
3Subs. by Ord. XXVII of 1981, s. 3 and Second Schedule for “Electricity Board may make rules for the whole of the Province or any part thereof” which 
had been amended by Act X of 1937, s. 4, A. O., 1949 and A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., to read as above.  
See the Indian Electricity Rules, 1937, published with the Notification of the G. of 1. (Indurstries and Labour Department), No. F. 601, dated the 27th 
March, 1937. These rules, though made by the G.G. in C., are to be deemed to have been made by the Central Electricity Board:  see the Rules and 
Regulations Continuance Act, 1937 (XXIV of 1937). 35  
 
Page 33 of 49 
 
 (h)  provide for preventing telegraph -lines and magnetic observatories or 
laboratories from being injuriously affected by the generation, transmission, 
supply or use of energy;  
(i)  prescribe the qualifications to be required of Electric Inspectors;  
(j)  authorize any Electric Inspector or other officer of a specified rank and class to 
enter, inspect and examine any place, carriage or vessel in which he has reason 
to believe any appliance or apparatus  used in the generation, transmission, 
supply or use of energy to be, and to carry out tests therein, and to prescribe the 
facilities to be given to such inspectors or officers for the purposes of such 
examinations and tests; 1[*]  
(k)  authorize and regulate the levy of fees for any such testing or inspection and, 
generally, for the services of Electric Inspectors under this Act; 2[and  
2(l)  provide for any matter which is to be or may be prescribed.  
 2(3) Any rules made in pursuance of clause (f) or clause (h) of sub-section (2) shall be binding 
on the 3[Government]].  
 4[(4)] In making any rule under this Act the 5[Federal Electricity Board] may direct that every 
breach thereof shall be punishable with fine which may extend to three hundred rupees, and, in the 
case of a continuing breach with a further daily fine which may extend to fifty rupees.  
 38. Further provisions respecting rules.–(1) The power to make rules under section 37 shall 
be subject to the condition of the rules being made after previous publication. 
 (2) The date to be specified in accordance with clause (3) of section 23 of the General Clauses 
Act, 1897 (X of 1897) , as that after which a draft of rules proposed to be made under section 37 will 
be taken into consideration shall not be less than three months from the date on which the draft of the 
proposed rules was published for general information.  
 6[*  *  *  *  *  *  *]  
 7[(3)] All rules made under section 37 shall be published in the 8[official Gazette] and on such 
publication shall have effect as if enacted in this Act.  
Criminal Offences and Procedure 
 
 
 
1The word “and” omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 18.  
2The word “and” clause (1) and sub-section (3) ins., ibid.  
3Subs. by A. O., 1961, Art. 2 for “Crown” (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).  
4Sub-section (3) was re-numbered as sub-section (4), by Act I of 1922, s. 18.  
5Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981, s. 3 and Second Sch., for “Electricity Board” which had been 
amended by A. O., 1964 Art 2 and Sch. and Act 10 of 1937, s. 4. 36  
6Sub-section (3) omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act., 1937 (X of 1937), s. 5.  
7The original sub-section (4) was re-numbered as sub-section (3), ibid.  
8Subs. by A. O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for “Gazette of Pakistan which had been subs. by A. O., 1949, for “Gazette of India”.  
 
 
Page 34 of 49 
 
 1[39. Theft of energy. –(1) Whoever dishonestly abstract s, consumes or uses energy shall be 
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three ears or with 
fine which may extend to 2[five million] rupees, or with both; and the existence of any device, 
contrivance or artificial means for such abstraction, consumption or use shall be prima facie evidence 
of such abstraction, consumption for use.  
 (2) Whoever abets, or conspires in, the commission of acts mentioned in sub -section (1) shall 
be deemed to have committed an offence under sub-section (1).  
 Explanation.-A person shall be deemed to have dishonestly abstracted, consumed or used 
energy–  
(a)  if he is found to have tampered or interferred with the set order of wiring 
connections of any meter, measuring apparatus, includin g kilowatt meter, 
kilowatt hour meter, kilovolt ampere hour meter, kilovolt ampere reactive hour 
meter, current transformers, potential tranformers or their respective fuses, 
installed by the licensee for the supply and registration of energy; or  
(b)  if he is found to have prevented by drilling hole in the casing covering or glass, 
or by jamming the mechanism by mechanical, magnetic or by any other means, 
any meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus from duly 
registering the amount of energy supplied or the electrical quantity contained in 
the supply; or  
(c)  if he is found, without written consent of the licensee, to have connected his 
installations, appliances and apparatus for the consumption or use of energy 
with the licensee’s wor ks directly without passing through a meter, maximum 
demand indicator or other measuring apparatus.]  
 3[39A. Penalty for installation of artificial means, etc. –(1) Whoever installs or uses any 
device, contrivance or artificial means for dishonest abstract ion, consumption or use of energy of a 
licensee, whether he derives any benefit therefrom or not, shall be punished with imprisonment of 
either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to 4[five 
million] rupees, or with both; and if it is proved that any device, contrivance or artificial means for 
such abstraction, consumption or use exists or has existed on a premises, it shall be presumed, unless 
the contrary is proved, that such person has committed an offence under this sub-section.  
 (2) Whoever abets, or conspires in, the commission of any act mentioned in sub -section (1) 
shall be deemed to have committed an offence under that sub-section.  
 Explanation.___ In this section, “artificial means” includes–  
(a)  making of direct electrical connection from the aerial line through artificial 
jumper;  
 
1Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance. 1979, (LXII of 1979) s. 8, for section 39.  
2Subs. by Ord. XV of 1999.s.2. 37  
3Section 39-A ins. by the Electricity (Amdt) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979) s.9 This section has been substituted an its application to Provinces of the 
Punjab, N.W.F.P, Sind and Baluchistan s. 10.  
4Subs.by Ord. XV of 1999, s.3.38  
 
 
 
Page 35 of 49 
 
(b)  making of direct electrical connection from transformers, cable, meter’s main 
terminals and from consumer’s installations through artificial wiring;  
(c)  disconnecting the potential link from the meter terminals by means of a pl ier, 
screw driver, cutter or any other instrument;  
(d)  breaking the glass cover of a meter or drilling hole in the casing or covering of 
a meter by any means;  
(e)  stopping or slowing the revolutions of a meter disc by artificial magnet; and  
(f)  stopping or slowing or reversing the revolutions of the meter disc by changing 
the phase sequence of meter through artificial electrical circuit.]  
 40. Penalty for maliciously wasting energy or injuring works.–Whoever maliciously causes 
energy to be waste d or diverted or, with intent to cut off the supply of energy, cuts or injures, or 
attempts to cut or injure, any electric supply-line or works, shall be punishable with imprisonment for 
a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with 
both.  
 41. Penalty for unauthorized supply of energy by non-licensees.–Whoever, in contravention 
of the provisions of section 28, engages in the business of supplying energy shall be punishable with 
fine which may extend to three thousand rupees, and, in the case of a continuing contravention, with a 
daily fine which may by extend to three hundred rupees.  
 42. Penalty for illegal or defective supply or for non-compliance with order.–Whoever–  
(a)  being a licensee, save as p ermitted under section 27 or section 51 or by his 
license, supplies energy or lays down or places any electric supply-line or works 
outside the area of supply; or  
(b)  being a licensee, in contravention of the provisions of this Act or of the rules 
thereunder or in breach of the conditions of his license and without reasonable 
excuse, the burden of proving which shall lie on him, discontinues the supply 
of energy or fails to supply energy; or  
(c)  makes default in complying with any order issued to him under section 34, sub-
section (2); shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand 
rupees, and, in the case of a continuing offence or default, with a daily fine 
which may extend to one hundred rupees.  
 43. Penalty for illegal transmission or  use of energy. –Whoever, in contravention of the 
provisions of section 30, transmits or uses energy without giving the notice required thereby, shall be 
punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, and, in the case of a continuing offence, 
with a daily fine which may extend to fifty rupees.  
 1[44. Penalty for interference with meters or licensee’s works and for improper use of 
energy.–Whoever–  
1Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 11. for section 44. 39  
 
 
Page 36 of 49 
 
(a)  connects any meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus 
referred to in section 26, with any electric supply -line through which energy is 
supplied by a licensee, or disconnects the same from any such electric supply -
line without the licensee’s consent in writing; or  
(b)  lays, or causes to be laid, or connects up any works for the purpose of 
communicating with any other works belonging to a licensee, without such 
licensee’s consent in writing; or  
 (c)  uses the energy supplied to him by a licensee under one method of charging in 
a manner for which a higher method of charging is in force without the 
licensee’s consent in writing, or adopts any appliance or uses energy supplied 
to him by a licensee in a manner prejudicial to the safety or efficient working of 
the licensee’s electric supply-line or works, or deals with it in a manner so as to 
interfere with the efficient supply of energy by the licensee to any other person 
; shall be punishable with fine which may extend to 1[five million] rupees, and, 
in the case of a continuing offence, with a daily fine which may extend to1[five 
thousand] rupees; and if it is proved that any artificial means exist or have 
existed for making such connection as is referred to in clause ( a), or such 
communication as is referred to in clause (b), or for facilitating such improper 
use of energy as is referred to in clause (c), and that the meter, maximum 
demand indicator or other measuring apparatus is under the custody or control 
of the consumer, whether it is his property or not, it shall be presumed, until the 
contrary is proved, that such connection, communication or improper use, as the 
case may be, has been knowingly and wilfully caused by such consumer.]  
 45. Penalty for extinguishing  public lamps.–Whoever maliciously extinguishes any public 
lamp shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine 
which may extend to three hundred rupees, or with both.  
 46. Penalty for negligently wasting energy or injuring works.–Whoever negligently causes 
energy to be wasted or diverted, or negligently breaks, throws down or damages any elec tric supply-
line, post, pole or lamp or other apparatus connected with the supply of energy, shall be punishable 
with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees.  
 47. Penalty for offences not otherwise provided for. –Whoever, in any case not already 
provided for by sections 39 to 46 (both inclusive), makes default in complying with any of the 
provisions of this Act, or with any order issued under it, or, in the case of a licensee, with any of the 
conditions of his license, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees, and, 
in the case of a continuing default, with a daily fine which may extend to twenty rupees:  
 Provided that, where a person has made default in complying with any of the provisio ns of 
sections 13, 14, 15, 17 and 32, as the case may be, he shall not be so punishable if the Court is of 
opinion that the case was one of emergency, and that the offender complied with the said provisions 
as far as was reasonable in the circumstances.  
 
1Subs. by Ord. XV of 1999, s.4. 40  
 
Page 37 of 49 
 
 48. Penalties not to affect other liabilities.–The penalties imposed by sections 39 to 47 (both 
inclusive) shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, any liability in respect of the payment of 
compensation or, in the case of a licensee, the revocation of his license, l[or the payment of penalty in 
lieu thereof, ] which the offender may have incurred.  
 49. Penalties where works belong to Government.–The provisions of section 39, 40, 44, 45 
and 46 shall, so far a s they are applicable, be deemed to apply also when the acts made punishable 
thereunder are committed in the case of energy supplied by, or of works belonging to, 2[the 3[Federal 
Government ]or any Provincial Government].  
 50. Institution of prosecutions.–No prosecution shall be instituted against any person for any 
offence against this Act or any rule, license or order thereunder, except at the instance of the 
Government or an Electric Inspector, or of a person aggrieved by the same.  
 4[50A. Cognizance of offences, etc.–(1) No court inferior to that of a Magistrate of the first 
class shall try an offence punishable under this Act.  
 (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 32 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 
(Act V of 1898), it shall be lawful for any Magistrate of the first class to pass any sentence authorised 
by this Act.]  
Supplementary 
 51. Exercise in certain cases of powers of telegraph authority. –Notwithstanding anything 
in sections 12 to 16 (both inclusive) and sections 18 and 19, the 5[Provincial Government] may, by 
order in writing, for the placing of appliances and apparatus for the transmission of energy, confer 
upon any public officer or licensee, subject to such conditions and restrictions (if any) as the 
5[Provincial Government] may think fit to impose, and to the provisions of the Telegraph Act, 1885 
(III of 1885), any of the powers which the telegraph -authority possesses under that Act, with respect 
to the placing of telegraph-lines and posts for the purposes of a telegraph established or maintained by 
the Government or to be so established or maintained.  
 52. Arbitration. –Where any matter is, by or under this Act, directed to be determined by 
arbitration, the matter shall, unless it is otherwise expressl y provided in the license of a licensee, be 
determined by such person or persons as the 6[Provincial Government] may nominate in that behalf on 
the application of either party; but in all other respects the arbitration shall be subject to the provisions 
of the 7[*] Arbitration Act, 8[1940] (X of 1940).  
 53. Service of notices, orders or documents.–(1) Every notice, order or document by or under 
this Act required or authorized to be addressed to any person may be served by post or left,-  
(a)  where 9[the 3[Federal Government] or the Provincial  
 
1Ins. by the Electricity Act (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1962 (VI of 1962) s,3.  
2Subs, by A. O.. 1949 for “any Government in British India” which was previously subs, by A, O., 1937, for “the Govt.”,  
3Subs, by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”.  
4Ins. by Ord. XV of 1999, s.5.  
5Subs. by A. O.,' 1937, for “L.G.”, which had been subs, by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922) s. 20 for “G. G. in C,”.  
6Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L, G,”.  
7The word “Indian” omitted by the Repealing and Amending Act. 1940(XXXII of 1940), s. 3 and Second Sch,  
8Subs. by the Arbitration Act, 1940 (X of 1940), s. 49 (2) and Fourth Sch., for “1899” (with effect from the Ist July, 1940).  
9Subs. by A, O., 1937, for “the Govt,”. 41  
 
Page 38 of 49 
 
Government] is the addressee, at the office of l[such officer as the 2[Federal Government] or 
 3[Provincial Government], as the case may be, may designate in this behalf];  
 4[*  *  *  *  *  *  *]  
(b)  where a local authority is the addressee, at the office of the local authority;  
(c)  where a Company is the addressee, at the registered office of the Company or, 
in the event of the registered office of the Company not being in 5[Pakistan], at 
the head office of the Company in 5[Pakistan];  
(d)  where any other person is the addressee, at the usual or last known place of 
abode or business of the person.  
 (2) Every notice, order or document by or under this Act required or authorized to be addressed 
to the owner or occupier of any premises shall be deemed to be properly addressed if addressed by the 
description of the “owner” or “occupier” of the premises (naming the premises), and may be served 
by delivering it, or a true copy thereof, to some person on the premises, or, if there is no person on the 
premises to whom the same can with reasonable diligence be delivered, by affixing it on some 
conspicuous part of the premises.  
 54. Recovery of sums recoverable under certain provisions of Act.–6[Any penalty imposed 
under section 4, sub-section (2), every sum] declared to be recoverable by section 5, clause (f), section 
6, sub-section (2), section 14, sub-section (2), clause (h), section 16, sub -section (2), section 18, sub-
section (2), or sub-section (4) or section 26, sub-section (4), and every fee leviable under this Act, may 
be recovered, on application to a Magistrate having jurisdiction where the person liable to pay the same 
is for the time being resident, by the distress and sale of any moveable property belonging to such 
person.  
 7[54A. Charges for supply of energy recoverable as arrears of land revenue. –(1) 
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any other law for the time being in force or in 
any instrument or agreement, the charges for supply of energy or any other sum outstanding against a 
consumer under this Act shall be recoverable as an arrear of land revenue.  
 (2) A licensee, or any person duly authorised by the licensee, may apply, with a certificate 
showing the amount outstanding against a consumer, to the Collector of the district concerned for the 
recovery of the said amount, and the Collector shall, thereupon proceed to recover the same from such 
consumer, or his sureties, or from all of them, as an arrear of land revenue.  
 54B. Requisition of Police assistance.–Where a license, or any person duly authorised by him 
in this behalf, requires any police assistance for carrying out the purposes of this Act, he may make an 
application to the District Magistrate or Assistant Commissioner of the sub-division concerned and the 
District Magistrate or, as the case may be, the Assistant Commissioner may direct the officer in charge 
of the police station concerned to render the assistance required. 
 
1Subs. by Act I of 1922, s. 21, for “the Secretary in the Public Works Department,” .  
2Subs. by F.A.O 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government” which had been subs. by A.O, 1937, for “G. G. in C”.  
3Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “L. G”.  
4Clause (aa) which was ins. by A. O., 1937, omitted by A. O., 1949.  
5Subs. by A. O., 1949, for “India”.  
6Subs. by the Electricity Act (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1962 (VI of 1962), s. 4 for “Every sum”. 42  
7New sections 54A. 54B and 54C ins. by the Electridty (Amdt.) Ordinance: 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 12. 43  
 
 
Page 39 of 49 
 
 54C. Bar of Jurisdiction.–(1) Where a licensee gives a notice referred to in sub-section (1) of 
section 24 or discontinues supply of energy to a premises under the provisions of this Act, no court 
shall make an order prohibiting  the licensee from discontinuing supply of energy to the premises, or 
requiring him to restore supply of energy to such premises, and any such order made before the 
commencement of the Electricity (Amendment) Ordinance, 1979, shall cease to have effect:  
 Provided that nothing contained herein shall apply to a case in which the plaintiff, applicant or 
appellant, within a period of thirty days of the aforesaid date or at the time of filing the suit, application 
or appeal, as the case may be, deposits with the court the amount assessed against him by the licensee 
and all further charges of the licensee as and when they become due; and in the event of his failing to 
do so, any order prohibiting the licensee from discontinuing the supply of energy to the premise s or 
requiring him to restore the supply of energy to the premises, if already made, shall cease to have 
effect.  
 (2) Where an amount has been deposited under sub -section (1), the court shall direct it to be 
deposited in a scheduled bank in the name of th e licensee on an undertaking being furnished by the 
licensee to the effect that in case the suit or appeal is decided against him, he shall repay the said 
amount to the plaintiff or appellant, as the case may be, with such reasonable return as the court ma y 
determine.]  
 55. Delegation of certain functions of Provincial Government to Electric Inspectors.–The 
1[Provincial Government] may, by general or special order, authorize the discharge of any of its 
functions under section 13 or section 18 2[or section 34, sub-section (2),] or clause V, sub-clause (2), 
or clause XIII of the Schedule by an Electric Inspector.  
 56. Protection for acts done in good faith.–No suit, prosecution or other proceeding shall lie 
against any public officer, or any serv ant of a local authority, for anything done, or in good faith 
purporting to be done, under this Act.  
 57. Amendment of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.–(1) In section 40, sub-section (1), clause 
(b), and section 41, sub -section (5), of the Land Acquisition  Act, 1894 (I of 1894), the term “work” 
shall be deemed to include electrical energy supplied, or to be supplied, by means of the work to be 
constructed.  
 (2) The 1[Provincial Government] may, if it thinks fit, on the application of any person, not 
being a company, desirous of obtaining any land for the purposes of his undertaking, direct that he 
may acquire such land under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (I of 1894), in the same 
manner and on the same conditions as it might be acquired if the person were a company.  
 58. Repeals and savings.–(1) The Indian Electricity Act, 1903 (III of 1903), is hereby repealed:  
 Provided that every application for a license made and every license granted under the said Act 
shall be deemed to have been made and granted under this Act.  
 (2) Northing in this Act shall be deemed to affect the terms of any license which was granted, 
or of any agreement which was made, by or with the sanction of the Government for the supply or use 
of electricity before the commencement of this Act.  
 
1Subs. by A.O.1937, for “L.G”.  
2Ins.by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s.22. 44  
 
 
Page 40 of 49 
 
THE SCHEDULE 
 
PROVISIONS TO BE DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED WITH, AND TO FORM PART OF, 
EVERY LICENSE GRANTED UNDER PART II, SO FAR AS NOT ADDED TO, VARIED OR 
EXCEPTED BY THE LICENSE 
 
[See section 3, sub-section (2), clause (f)] 
 
Security and Accounts 
 1. Security for execution of works of licensee not being local authority.–Where the licensee 
is not a local authority, the following provisions as to giving security shall apply, namely:–  
(a)  The licensee shall, within the period fixed in that behalf by his license, or any 
longer period which the l[Provincial Government] may s ubstitute therefor by 
order under section 4, sub -section (3), clause (b), of the Electricity Act, 1910, 
before exercising any of the powers by the license conferred on him in relation 
to the execution of works, show, to the satisfaction of the l[Provincial 
Government], that he is in a position fully and efficiently to discharge the duties 
and obligations imposed upon him by the license throughout the area of supply.  
(b)  The licensee shall also, within the period fixed in that behalf by his license, or 
any longer period which the l[Provincial Government] may substitute therefor 
by order under section 4, sub-section (3), clause (b), of the Electricity Act, 1910, 
and before exercising any of the powers conferred on him in relation to the 
execution of works, d eposit or secure to the satisfaction of the l[Provincial 
Government] such sum (if any) as may be fixed by the license, or, if not so 
fixed, by the l[Provincial Government].  
(c)  The said sum deposited or secured by the licensee under the provisions of thi s 
clause shall be repaid or released to him on the completion of the works or at 
such earlier date or dates and by such instalments, as may be approved by the 
l[Provincial Government].  
II. Audit of accounts of licensee not being local authority.–Where the licensee is not a local 
authority, the following provisions as to the audit of accounts shall apply, namely:___  
(a)  The annual statement of accounts of the undertaking shall, before being 
rendered under section 11 of the Electricity Act, 1910, be examined and audited 
by such person as the l[Provincial Government] may appoint or approve in this 
behalf, and the remuneration of the auditor shall be such as the l[Provincial 
Government] may direct, and his remuneration and all expenses incurred by him 
in or about the execution of his duties, to such an amount as the l[Provincial 
Government] shall approve, shall be paid by the licensee on demand.  
 
 
 
1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L.G.”. 45  
 
Page 41 of 49 
 
(b)  The licensee shall afford to the auditor, his cl erks and assistants, access to all 
such books and documents relating to the undertaking as are necessary for the 
purposes of the audit, and shall, when required, furnish to him and then all 
vouchers and information requisite for that purpose, and afford to him and them 
all facilities for the proper execution of his and their duty.  
(c)  The audit shall be made and conducted in such manner as the l[Provincial 
Government] may direct.  
(d)  Any report made by the auditor, or such portion thereof as the 1[Provincial 
Government] may direct, shall be appended to the annual statement of accounts 
of the licensee, and shall thenceforth form part thereof.  
(e)  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this clause, the l[Provincial 
Government] may, if it thinks fit, accept the examination and audit of an auditor 
appointed by the licensee.  
 III. Separate accounts. –The licensee shall, unless the l[Provincial Gov ernment] otherwise 
directs, at all times keep the accounts of the capital employed for the purposes of the undertaking 
distinct from the accounts kept by him of any other undertaking or business.  
Compulsory works and supply 
 IV. Execution of work after commencement of license.–The licensee shall, within a period 
of three years after the commencement of the license, execute to the satisfaction of the 1[Provincial 
Government] all such works as may be specified in the license in this behalf or, if not so specified, as 
the 1[Provincial Government] may, by order in writing issued within six months of the date of the 
commencement of the license, direct.  
 V. Provisions as to laying down of further distributing mains. –(l) Where, after the 
expiration of two years and six months from the commencement of the license, a requisition is made 
by six or more owners or occupiers of premises in or upon any street or part of a street within the area 
of supply or by the l[Provincial Government] or a local authority charged wit h the public lighting 
thereof, requiring the licensee to provide distributing mains throughout such street or part thereof, the 
licensee shall comply within six months with the requisition, unless,___  
(a)  where it is made by such owners or occupiers as aforesaid, the owners or 
occupiers making it do not, within fourteen clear days after the service on them 
by the licensee of a notice in writing in this behalf, tender to the licensee a 
written contract duly executed and with sufficient security binding themselves 
to take, or guaranteeing that there shall be taken, a supply of energy for not less 
than two years to such amount as will in the aggregate produce annually, at the 
current rates charged by the licensee, a reasonable return to the licensee; or  
(b)  where it is made by the 1[Provincial Government] or a local authority, the 
l[Provincial Government] or local authority, as the case may be, does not, within 
the like period, tender a like contract binding i tself to take a supply of energy 
for not less than seven years for the public lamps in such street or part thereof.  
1Subs. by A. O.,1937, for “L. G.”. 46  
 
Page 42 of 49 
 
 (2) Where any difference or dispute arises between the licensee and such owners or occupiers 
as to the sufficiency of the security offered under this clause, or as to the amount of energy to be taken 
or guaranteed as aforesaid, the matter shall be referred to the l[Provincial Government], and either 
decided by it or, if it so directs, determined by arbitration.  
 (3) Every requisition under this clause shall be signed by the maker or makers thereof and shall 
be served on the licensee.  
 (4) Every requisition under this clause shall be in a form to be prescribed by rules under the 
Electricity Act, 1910; a nd copies of the form shall be kept at the office of the licensee and supplied 
free of charge to any applicant.  
 VI. Requisition for supply to owners or occupiers in vicinity.–(1) Where 2[after distributing 
mains have been laid down under the provisions o f clause IV or clause V and the supply of energy 
through those mains or any of them has commenced] a requisition is made by the owner or occupier 
of any premises situate within 3[the area of supply] requiring the licensee to supply energy for such 
premises, the licensee shall, within one month from the making of the requisition 2[or within such 
longer period as the Electric Inspector may allow,] supply, and, save in so far as he is prevented from 
doing so by cyclones, floods, storms or other occurrences beyond his control, continue to supply, 
energy in accordance with the requisition:  
 Provided, first, that the licensee shall not be bound to comply with any such requisition unless 
and until the person making it-  
(a)  within fourteen days after the service on him by the licensee of a notice in 
writing in this behalf, tenders to the licensee a written contract, in a form 
approved by the 1[Provincial Government], duly executed and with sufficient 
security, binding himself to take a supply of energy for not less than two years 
to such amount as with produce, at current rates charged by the licensee, a 
reasonable return to the licensee, and  
(b)  if required by the licensee so to do, pays to the licensee the cost of so much of 
any service line as may be laid down or placed for the purposes of the supply 
upon the property in respect of which the requisition is made, and of so much 
of any service line as it may be necessary for the said purposes to lay down or 
place beyond one hundred feet from the licensee’s distributing main although 
not on that property:  
 4[Provided, secondly, that the licensee shall be entitled to discontinue such supply–  
(a)   if the owner or occupier of the premises to which the supply is made by the 
licensee has not already given security, or if any security already given by him 
has become invalid, or there is change of owner or occupier and such owner or 
occupier fails to furnish security according to the prevalent rate, as the case may 
be, within seven  days after the service upon him of notice from the licensee 
requiring him so to do, or  
1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.” . 47  
2Ins. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 23.  
3Subs. ibid., for “one hundred yards from any distributing main”.  
4Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1919), s. 13, for the proviso. 48  
 
 
Page 43 of 49 
 
 (b) if the owner or occupier of the premises to which the supply is made adopts any appliance, 
or uses the energy supplied to him by the licensee for any purpose, or deals with it in any manner, so 
as unduly or improperly to interfere with the efficient supply of energy to any other person by the 
licensee, or  
 (c) if the electric wires, fittings, works and app aratus in such premises are not in good order 
and condition, and are consequently likely to affect injuriously the use of energy by the licensee, or by 
other persona, or  
 (d) if the owner or occupier makes any alteration of or addition to, any electric wi res, fittings, 
works or apparatus within such premises as aforesaid, and does not notify the same to the licensee 
before the same are connected to the source of supply, with a view to their being examined, tested, 
accounted or charged for, or  
 (e) if the owner or occupier of the premises to which the supply is made has:–  
(i)  used it in a manner prejudicial to the safety or sufficient working of the 
licensee’s electric supply lines or works;  
(ii)  used it under one method of charging in a manner for which a higher method of 
charging is in force;  
(iii)  broken, tempered with or counterfeited the licensee’s seal, casing or covering 
affixed or placed to protect  any meter, maximum demand indi cator or o ther 
measuring apparatus referred to in section 26 ;  
(iv)  altered the index of any such meter, maximum demand indicator or other 
measuring apparatus;  
(v)  prevented any such meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring 
apparatus from duly register ing the energy supplied or the electrical quantity 
contained in the supply; or  
(vi)  presented the supply, consumption or use of energy from being duly registered 
by any such, meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus; 
but the licensee shall reconnect the supply with all reasonable speed on the 
cessation of the act or default or both, as the ease may be, which entitled him to 
discontinue it:]  
 Provided, thirdly, that the maximum rate per unit of time at which the owner or occupier shall 
be entitled to be supplied with energy shall not exceed what is necessary for the maximum consumption 
on his premises, and, where the owner or occupier has required a licensee to supply him at a specified 
maximum rate, he shall not be entitled to alter th at maximum, except after one month’s notice in 
writing to the licensee, and the licensee may recover from the owner or occupier any expenses incurred 
by him by reason of such alteration in respect of the service lines by which energy is supplied to the 
property beyond one hundred feet from the licensee’s distributing main, or in respect of any fittings or 
apparatus of the licensee upon that property: and 
 
Page 44 of 49 
 
 Provided, fourthly, that, l[if any requisition is made for a supply of energy and] the licensee 
can prove, to the satisfaction of an Electric Inspector,____  
(a)  that 2[the nearest distributing main] is already loaded up to its full current -
carrying capacity, or  
(b)  that, in case of a larger amount of current being transmitted by it, the loss of 
pressure will seriously affect the efficiency of the supply to other consumers in 
the vicinity, the licensee may refuse to accede to the requisition for such 
reasonable period no t exceeding six months, as such , Inspector may think 
sufficient for the purpose of amending the distributing main or laying down or 
placing a further distributing main.  
 (2) Any service line laid for the purpose of supply in pursuance of a requisition under sub -
clause (1) shall, notwithstanding that a portion of it may have been paid for by the person making the 
requisition, be maintained by the licensee.  
 3[(3) Where any difference or dispute arises as to the amount of energy to be taken or 
guaranteed as aforesaid, or as to the cost of any service line, or as to the amount of the expenses 
incurred under the third proviso to sub -clause (1), the matter shall be referred, on the application of 
either party, to an Electric Inspector who, within a maximum period of ninety days from the date of 
such application, and after affording the parties an opportunity of being heard, shall decide the matter; 
and where the Electric Inspector fails to decide the matter within the said period or where either party 
declines to accept the decision of the Electric Inspector, the matter shall be referred to the Provincial 
Government whole decision shall be final.]  
 (4) Every requisition under this clause shall be signed by the maker or makers thereof and shall 
be served on the licensee.  
 (5) Every requisition under this clause shall be in a form to be pr escribed by rule under the 
Electricity Act, 1910; and copies of the forms shall be kept at the office of the licensee and supplied 
free of charge to any applicant.  
 4[VII. Further provisions as to laying of service lines. –The licensee shall, before 
commencing to lay down or place a service line in any street in which a distributing main has not 
already been laid down or placed, serve upon the local authority (if any) and upon the owner or 
occupier of all premises abutting on so much of the street as lies b etween the points of origin and 
termination of the service line so to be laid down or placed, twenty -one days’ notice stating that the 
licensee intends to lay down or place a service line, and intimating that, if within the said period the 
local authority or any five or more of such owners or occupiers require, in accordance with the 
provisions of the license, that a supply shall be given for any public lamps or to their premises, as the 
case may be, the necessary distributing main will be laid down or plac ed by the licensee at the same 
time as the service line.]  
 
 
1Subs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 ( I of 1922), s.23 for “in the event of any requisition being made for a supply of energy from any 
distributing main of which”.  
2Subs. ibid., for “it”.  
3Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 13, for sub-clause (3). 50  
4Subs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 24, for the original clause.  
 
 
Page 45 of 49 
 
 VIII. Supply for public lamps. –(1) Where 1[after distributing mains have been laid down 
under the provisions of clause IV or clause V and the supply of energy through those mains or any of 
them has commenced] a requisition is made by the 2[Provincial Government] or by a local authority 
requiring the licensee to supply for a period of not less than seven years energy for any public lamps 
within the 3[area of supply], the licensee shall supply, and, save in so far as he is prevented from doing 
so by cyclones, floods, storms or other occurrences beyond his control, continue to supply, energy for 
such lamps in such quantities as the 2[Provincial Government] or the local authority, as the case may 
be, may require.  
 (2) The provisions of sub-clause (b) of the first proviso, of sub-clauses (c) and (d) of the second 
proviso, and of the third and fourth provisos to sub -clause (1) and the provisions of sub -clauses (2) 
and (3) of clause VI shall, so far as may be, apply to every case in which a requisition for the supply 
of energy is made under this clause as if the 2[Provincial Government] or local authority were an owner 
or occupier within the meaning of those provisions.  
Supply by bulk-licensees 
 IX. Special provisions applying to supply by bulk-licensees.–(1) Where, and in so far as, the 
licensee (hereinafter in this clause referred to as “the bulk -licensee”) is authorised by his license to 
supply energy to other licensees for distribution by them (hereinafter in this clause referred to as 
“distributing-licensees”) the following provisions shall apply, namely:___  
(a)  any distributing-licensees within the bulk-licensee’s area of supply may make a 
requisition on the bulk -licensee, requiring him to give a supply of energy and 
specifying the point, and the maximum rate per unit of time, at which supply is 
required, and the date upon which the supply is to commence, such date being 
fixed after the date of receipt of the requisition so as to allow an interval that is 
reasonable with regard to the locality and to the length of the electric supply -
line and the amount of the plant required;  
(b)  such distributing-licensee shall, if required by the bulk -licensee so to do, enter 
into a written agreement to receive and pay for a supply of energy for a period 
of not less than seven years of such an amount that the payment to be made for 
the same at the rate of charge for the time being charged for such supply shall 
not be less than such an amount as will produce a reasonable return to the bulk-
licensee on the outlay (excluding expenditure on generating plant then existing 
and any electric supply -line then laid down or placed) incurred by him in 
making provision for such supply;  
(c)  the maximum rate per unit of time at which a distributing licensee shall be 
entitled to be supplied with energy shall not excee d what is necessary for the 
purposes for which the supply is required by him, and need not be increased 
except upon a fresh requisition made in accordance with the foregoing 
provisions;  
 
 
1Ins. ibid., s. 25.  
2Subs. by A. O.,1937, for “L. G.”.  
3Subs. by Act I of 1922,s. 25, for “distance of one hundred yards from any distributing main”. 51  
 
Page 46 of 49 
 
 (d)  if any difference or dispute arises under this clause, it, shall be determined by 
arbitration, and, in the event of such arbitration, the arbitrator shall have regard 
to the following amongst other considerations, namely:___  
(i)  the period for which the distributing-licensee is prepared to bind himself 
to take energy; 52  
(ii)  the amount of energy required and the hours during which the bulk -
licensee is to supply it;  
(iii)  the capital expenditure incurred or to be incurred by the bulk-licensee in 
connection with the aforesaid supply of energy; and  
(iv)  the extent to which the capital expended or to be expended by the bulk-
licensee in connection with such supply may become unproductive upon 
the discontinuance thereof.  
 (2) Notwithstanding anything in sub-clause (1), the bulk-licensee shall give a supply of energy 
to any distributing-licensee within his area of supply applying therefor, even although the distributing-
licensee desires to be supplied with only a portion of the energy required for distribution by him:  
 Provided that the distributing -licensee shall, if so required by the bulk -licensee, enter into an 
agreement to take such energy upon special terms (including a minimum annual sum to be paid to the 
bulk-licensee) to be determined, if necessary, by arbitration in the manner laid down in sub-clause (1) 
(d).  
 (3) The maximum price fixed by a license for energy supplied to a distributing -licensee shall 
not apply to any partial supply given under sub-clause (2).  
 (4) Every distributing-licensee, who is supplied with energy by a bulk -licensee and intends to 
discontinue to receive such supply, shall give not less than twelve months’ notice in writing of such 
intention to the bulk-licensee:  
 Provided that, where the distributin g-licensee has entered into a written agreement with the 
bulk-licensee to receive and pay for a supply of energy for a certain period, such notice shall be given 
so as not to expire before the end of that period.  
Charges 
 X. Method of Charging. 1[*  *  *  *  *  *  *]  
 
 
 
 
 
1The first part of the clause up to and including sub-clause (c) omitted by the Indian E1ectricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 26. 53  
 
Page 47 of 49 
 
 1[(1)] 2[* * * ] Where the licensee charges by any method 3[approved by the 4[Provincial 
Government] in accordance with section 23, sub -section (3), clause (c), of the Electricity Act, 1910,] 
any consumer who objects to that method may, by not less than one month’s notice in writing, require 
the licensee to charge him, at the licensee’s option, eith er by the actual amount of energy supplied to 
him or by the electrical quantity contained in the supply, and thereafter the licensee shall not, except 
with the consent of the consumer, charge him by another method.  
 1[(2)] 5[* * *] Before commencing to supply energy through any distributing main, the licensee 
shall give notice, by public advertisement, of the method by which he proposes to charge for energy 
so supplied; and, where the licensee has given such notice, he shall not be entitled to change that 
method of charging without giving not less than one month’s notice in writing of such change to the 
4[Provincial Government], to the local authority (if any) concerned, and to every consumer of energy 
who is supplied by him from such distributing main.  
 1[(3)] 6[* * *] If the consumer is provided with a meter in pursuance of the provisions of section 
26, sub-section (1), of the Electricity Act, 1910, and the licensee changes the method of charging for 
the energy supplied by him from the distributing main, the licensee shall bear the expense of providing 
a new meter, or such other apparatus as may be necessary by reason of the new method of charging.  
 XI. Maximum charges.–Save as provided by clause IX, sub-clause (3), the prices charged by 
the licensee for energy supplie d by him shall not exceed the maxima fixed by his license, or, in the 
case of a method of charge approved by the 4[Provincial Government], such maxima as the 4[Provincial 
Government] shall fix on approving the method:  
 Provided, that, if, at any time afte r the expiration of seven years from the commencement of 
the license, the 4[Provincial Government] considers 7[* * *] that the maxima so fixed or approved as 
aforesaid should be altered, it 8[shall refer the matter to an Advisory Board, and, if the Board 
recommends any alteration, may make an order in accordance with such recommendation], which shall 
have effect from such date as may be mentioned therein:  
 Provided, also, that, where an order in pursuance of the foregoing proviso has been made, no 
further order altering the maxima fixed thereby shall be made until the expiration of another period of 
five years.  
 9[XIA. Minimum charges.–A licensee may charge a consumer a minimum charge for energy 
of such amount and determined in such manner as may be specified by his license; and such minimum 
charge shall be payable notwithstanding that no energy has been used by the consumer during the 
period for which such minimum charge is made.]  
 
 
 
1The first, second and third provisos were re -numbered as sub-clauses (1), (2) and (3), respectively, by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I  of 
1922), s. 26.  
2The words “Provided, first, that” omitted, ibid.  
3Subs. ibid., for “so approved by the L. G.”.  
4Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.  
5The words “Provided, secondly, that” omitted by Act I of 1922, s. 26”.  
6The words “Provided, thirdly, that” omitted, ibid. 54  
7The words “or is satisfied” omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 27.  
8Subs. ibid., for “may, after such inquiry (if any) as it thinks fit, make an order accordingly”.  
9This clause was ins., ibid., s. 28. 55  
 
 
Page 48 of 49 
 
 XII. Charge for supply for public lamps.–The price to be charged by the licensee and to be 
paid to him for energy supplied for the public lamps, and the mode in which those charges are to be 
ascertained, shall be settled by agreement between the licensee and the l[Provincial Government] or 
the local authority, as the case may be, and, where any difference or dispute arises, the matter shall be 
determined by arbitration.  
Testing and Inspection 
 XIII. Licensee to establish testing stations and keep instruments for testing.–The licensee 
shall establish at his own cost and keep in proper condition such number of testing stations, situated at 
such places within reasonable distance from any distributing main, as the l[Provincial Government] 
may direct for the purpose of testing the pressure or periodicity of the supply of energy in the 
distributing main, and shall supply and keep in proper condition thereat, and on all premises from 
which he supplies energy such instruments for testing as an Electric Inspector may approve, and shall 
supply energy to each testing station for the purpose of testing.  
 XIV. Facilities for testing.–The licensee shall afford all facilities for inspection and testing of 
his works and for the reading, testing and inspection of his instruments, and may, on each occasion of 
the testing of his works or the reading, testing or inspection of any instruments,  be represented by an 
agent, who may be present, but shall not interfere with the reading, testing or inspection.  
 XV. Testing of works. –On the occasion of the testing of any works of the licensee by an 
Electric Inspector reasonable notice thereof shall b e given to the licensee; and the testing shall be 
carried out at such suitable hours as, in the opinion of the Electric Inspector, will least interfere with 
the supply of energy by the licensee, and in such manner as the Electric Inspector may think fit ; but, 
except under the provisions of an order made in each case in that behalf by the l[Provincial 
Government], the Electric Inspector shall not be entitled to have access to, or interfere with, the works 
of the licensee at any points other than those at which the licensee him-self has access to the same:  
 Provided that the licensee shall not be held responsible for any interruption or irregularity in 
the supply of energy which may be occasioned by, or required by the Electric Inspector for the purpose 
of, any such testing as aforesaid:  
 Provided, also, that the testing shall not be made in regard to any particular portion of the works 
oftener than once in any three months, unless in pursuance of an order made in each case in that behalf 
by the l[Provincial Government].  
Plans 
 XVI. Plan of area of supply to be made and kept open for inspection.–(l) The licensee shall, 
after commencing to supply energy, forthwith cause a plan to be made of the area of supply, and shall 
cause to be marked thereon the alignmen t 2[and, in the case of underground works, the approximate 
depth] below the surface or all his then existin g electric supply -lines. streetdis tributing boxes and 
other works, and shall once in every year cause that plan to be duly corrected so as to show the electric 
supply-lines, street-distributing boxes and other works for the time being in position. The licensee shall 
also, if so required by an Electric Inspector, cause to be made sections showing the approximate level 
of all his existing underground works other then service lines. 
 
1Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L. G.”.  
2Subs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 29, for “and the approximate height above or depth”. 56  
 
 
Page 49 of 49 
 
  1[(2) Every such plan shall he drawn to such scale as the 2[Provincial Government] may 
require: provided that no scale shall be required unless maps of the locality on that scale are  for the 
time being available to the public.  
 (3) Every such section shall be drawn to horizontal and vertical scales which shall be such as 
the 2[Provincial Government] may require.]  
 (4) Every plan and section so made or corrected, or a copy thereof, marked with the date when 
it was so made or corrected, shall be kept by the licensee at his principal office or place of business 
within the area of supply, and shall at all reasonable times be open to the inspection of all applicants, 
and copies thereof shall be supplied on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by rules under 
the Electricity Act, 1910.  
 (5) The licensee shall, if required by an Electric Inspector and, where the licensee is not a local 
authority, by the local authority (if any) concerned, supply free of charge to such Electric Inspector or 
local authority a copy of every such plan or section duly corrected so as to agree with the original kept 
at the principal office or place of business of the licensee.  
Additional notice of certain works 
 XVII. Notice to Electric Inspector. –On the day next preceding the commencement of any 
such works as are referred to in section 13 of the Electricity Act, 1910, the licensee shall, in addition 
to any other notices which he may be required to give, serve upon the Electric Inspector, or such officer 
as the 2[Provincial Government] may appoint in this behalf for the area of supply, a notice in writing 
stating that he is about to commence the works, and ,the nature and position of the same.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:-22.04.2024 
1Subs. by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 29. for the original sub-clauses (2) and (3).  
2Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “L.G.”.

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Section 18

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N AND USE OF ENERGY BY NON-LICENSEES 28. Sanction required by non-licensees in certain cases 29. Power for non-licensees to break up streets 29A. Application of section 18 to aerial lines maintained by railways 30. Control of transmission and use of energy PATR IV GENERAL 31. Protection of railways and canals, docks, wharves and piers 32. Protection of telegraphic, telephonic and el

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Section 10

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lectricity (Amdt.) Act, 1922 (I of 1922), s. 3. 3Subs. by A. O., 1949, for “Army Headquarters, India”. 5 Page 8 of 49 (ii) save in cases in which under section 10, clause (b), the provisions of sections 5 and 7, or either of them, have been declared not to apply, every such license shall declare whether any generating station to be used in connection with the undertaking shall or sh

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Section 5

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clare whether any generating station to be used in connection with the undertaking shall or shall not form part of the undertaking for the purpose of purchase under section 5 or section 7; (e) the grant of a license under this Part for any purpose shall not in any way hinder or restrict the grant of a license to another person within the same area of supply for a like purpose; (f) the p

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Section 7

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any generating station to be used in connection with the undertaking shall or shall not form part of the undertaking for the purpose of purchase under section 5 or section 7; (e) the grant of a license under this Part for any purpose shall not in any way hinder or restrict the grant of a license to another person within the same area of supply for a like purpose; (f) the provisions conta

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Section 3

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terms and conditions as it thinks fit, or (b) make such alterations or amendments in the terms and conditions of a license, including the provisions specified in section 3, sub -section (2), clause (f), as it thinks fit. 5. Provisions where license of licensee, not being a local authority, is revoked. –Where the 1[Provincial Government] revokes under section 4, sub-section (1), the license

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Section 4

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clause (f), as it thinks fit. 5. Provisions where license of licensee, not being a local authority, is revoked. –Where the 1[Provincial Government] revokes under section 4, sub-section (1), the license of a licensee, not being a local authority, the following provisions shall have effect, namely:___ (a) the 1[Provincial Government] shall serve a notice of the revocation upon the licensee, a

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Section 4

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Page 11 of 49 6. Provisions where license of local authority is revoked. –(1) Where the l[Provincial Government] revokes the license of a local authority under section 4, sub -section (1), and any person is willing to purchase the undertaking, the 1[Provincial Government] may, if it thinks fit, require the local authority to sell, an d thereupon the local authority shall sell, the undertaking

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Section 7

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d in such agreement. 8. Provisions where no purchase and license revoked with consent of licensee.–Where, on the expiration of a ny of the periods referred to in section 7, sub -section (1), neither a local authority nor the 1[Provincial Government] purchases the undertaking, and the license is, on the application or with the consent of the licensee, revoked, the licensee shall have the option

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Section 5

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Provided that, if the licensee does not exercise such option within a period of six months, the l[Provincial Government] may proceed to take action as provided in section 5, clause (f), proviso. 9. Licensee not purchase, or associate himself with, other licensed undertakings or transfer his undertakings. –(1) The licensee shall not, at any time without the previous consent in writing of the

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Section 34

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d person or to any person supplying, transmitting or using energy under this Act, he shall not, except with the written consent of such person and in accordance with section 34, sub -section (1), lay his electric supply lines so as to come into contact with any such pipes, lines or service pipes or service - lines. (4) Where the operator makes default in complying with any of the provisions of t

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Section 13

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immediately attached, or intended to be immediately attached to a distributing main” omitted ibid. Page 20 of 49 18. Aerial lines.–(1) Save as provided in section 13, sub-section (3), nothing in this Part shall be deemed to authorize or empower a licensee to place any aerial line along or across any street, railway, tramway, canal or waterway unless and until the 1[Provincial Government]

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Section 12

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e, and shall make full compe nsation for any damage, detriment or inconvenience caused by him or by any one employed by him. (2) Save in the case Provided for in Section 12, Sub-section (3), where any difference or dispute arises as to the amount or the application of such compensat ion, the matter shall be determined by arbitration. Supply 6[19A. Point where supply is delivered.–For the p

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Section 23

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ing with use of energy.–(1) A licensee shall not be entitled to prescribe any special form of appliance for utilising energy supplied by him, or, save as provided by section 23, sub-section (2), or by section 26, sub-section (7), in any way to control or interfere with the use of such energy: 2[Provided that no person may adopt any form of appliance, or use the energy supplied to him, so as undu

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Section 26

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see shall not be entitled to prescribe any special form of appliance for utilising energy supplied by him, or, save as provided by section 23, sub-section (2), or by section 26, sub-section (7), in any way to control or interfere with the use of such energy: 2[Provided that no person may adopt any form of appliance, or use the energy supplied to him, so as unduly or improperly to interfere with

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Section 20

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the consumer to be supplied with the capacitor on payment of its cost.] 1Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 ( LXII of 1979), s. 3, for the original section 20 which had previously been amended by various enactments. 2Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt) Ordinance 1979 (LXII of 1979) s. 4, for the original Proviso. Page 22 of 49 1[(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-sect

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Section 23

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y be prescribed in the case of any such indicator or other apparatus. 4[26A. Dishonest abstraction or consumption of energy. –Notwithstanding anything contained in section 23, the licensee may charge the consumer on the basis of one or more of the following considerations for the amount of energy deemed to have been dishonestly abstracted, consumed or used, for the period during which the meter, m

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Section 26A

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I of 1922), s. 11. 26 2Ins. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s.6 3The words “referred to in sub-section (7)” omitted ibid., s. 6. 4New section 26A ins. ibid., s. 7. 27 Page 26 of 49 (a) consumer’s connected load or maximum demand in kilowatt during any period; (b) consumer’s maximum consumption of energy in kilowatt hours duri ng any period; (c) c

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Section 28

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up streets. –(1) The local authority may, by order in writing, confer and impose upon any person, who has obtained the sanction of the l[Provincial Government] under section 28 to engage in the business of supplying energy, all or any of the powers and liabilities of a licensee under sections 12 to 19, both inclusive, and the provisions of the said sections shall thereupon apply as if such person we

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Section 18

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, and every refusal to make an order, under sub-section (1) or sub-section (3), shall be subject to revision by the l[Provincial Government]. 3[29A. Application of section 18 to aerial lines maintained by railways. –The provisions of sub-section (3) and (4) of section 18 and of the Explanation thereto shall apply in the case of any aerial line placed by any railway administration as defined in sec

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Section 18

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to revision by the l[Provincial Government]. 3[29A. Application of section 18 to aerial lines maintained by railways. –The provisions of sub-section (3) and (4) of section 18 and of the Explanation thereto shall apply in the case of any aerial line placed by any railway administration as defined in section 3 of the Railways Act, 1890 (IX o f 1890), as if references therein to the licensee were ref

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Section 37

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o the Advisory Board]. 8[36A. Electricity Board. –9[(1) A Board to be called the Federal Electricity Board shall be constituted to exercise the powers conferred by section 37. (2) The Federal Electricity Board shall consist of the following members, namely:___ (a) a Chairman to be nominated by the Federal Government; (b) one member each to be nominated by the Provincial Governments of the

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Section 37

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case of a continuing breach with a further daily fine which may extend to fifty rupees. 38. Further provisions respecting rules.–(1) The power to make rules under section 37 shall be subject to the condition of the rules being made after previous publication. (2) The date to be specified in accordance with clause (3) of section 23 of the General Clauses Act, 1897 (X of 1897) , as that after wh

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Section 37

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be specified in accordance with clause (3) of section 23 of the General Clauses Act, 1897 (X of 1897) , as that after which a draft of rules proposed to be made under section 37 will be taken into consideration shall not be less than three months from the date on which the draft of the proposed rules was published for general information. 6[* * * * * * *] 7[(3)] All rules made under sec

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Section 37

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n three months from the date on which the draft of the proposed rules was published for general information. 6[* * * * * * *] 7[(3)] All rules made under section 37 shall be published in the 8[official Gazette] and on such publication shall have effect as if enacted in this Act. Criminal Offences and Procedure 1The word “and” omitted by the Indian Electricity (Amdt.) Act, 192

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Section 39

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aking of direct electrical connection from the aerial line through artificial jumper; 1Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance. 1979, (LXII of 1979) s. 8, for section 39. 2Subs. by Ord. XV of 1999.s.2. 37 3Section 39-A ins. by the Electricity (Amdt) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979) s.9 This section has been substituted an its application to Provinces of the Punjab, N.W.F.P, Sind and Baluchi

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Section 28

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h may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both. 41. Penalty for unauthorized supply of energy by non-licensees.–Whoever, in contravention of the provisions of section 28, engages in the business of supplying energy shall be punishable with fine which may extend to three thousand rupees, and, in the case of a continuing contravention, with a daily fine which may by extend to three hundred rupe

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Section 27

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nd to three hundred rupees. 42. Penalty for illegal or defective supply or for non-compliance with order.–Whoever– (a) being a licensee, save as p ermitted under section 27 or section 51 or by his license, supplies energy or lays down or places any electric supply-line or works outside the area of supply; or (b) being a licensee, in contravention of the provisions of this Act or of the rules

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Section 51

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ndred rupees. 42. Penalty for illegal or defective supply or for non-compliance with order.–Whoever– (a) being a licensee, save as p ermitted under section 27 or section 51 or by his license, supplies energy or lays down or places any electric supply-line or works outside the area of supply; or (b) being a licensee, in contravention of the provisions of this Act or of the rules thereunder

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Section 34

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f proving which shall lie on him, discontinues the supply of energy or fails to supply energy; or (c) makes default in complying with any order issued to him under section 34, sub- section (2); shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, and, in the case of a continuing offence or default, with a daily fine which may extend to one hundred rupees. 43. Penalty for ill

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Section 30

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with a daily fine which may extend to one hundred rupees. 43. Penalty for illegal transmission or use of energy. –Whoever, in contravention of the provisions of section 30, transmits or uses energy without giving the notice required thereby, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, and, in the case of a continuing offence, with a daily fine which may extend to fift

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Section 44

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r interference with meters or licensee’s works and for improper use of energy.–Whoever– 1Subs. by the Electricity (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 11. for section 44. 39 Page 36 of 49 (a) connects any meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus referred to in section 26, with any electric supply -line through which energy is supplied by a licensee, or disco

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Section 26

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979 (LXII of 1979), s. 11. for section 44. 39 Page 36 of 49 (a) connects any meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus referred to in section 26, with any electric supply -line through which energy is supplied by a licensee, or disconnects the same from any such electric supply - line without the licensee’s consent in writing; or (b) lays, or causes to be laid, or

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Section 39

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his license, l[or the payment of penalty in lieu thereof, ] which the offender may have incurred. 49. Penalties where works belong to Government.–The provisions of section 39, 40, 44, 45 and 46 shall, so far a s they are applicable, be deemed to apply also when the acts made punishable thereunder are committed in the case of energy supplied by, or of works belonging to, 2[the 3[Federal Governmen

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Section 4

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delivered, by affixing it on some conspicuous part of the premises. 54. Recovery of sums recoverable under certain provisions of Act.–6[Any penalty imposed under section 4, sub-section (2), every sum] declared to be recoverable by section 5, clause (f), section 6, sub-section (2), section 14, sub-section (2), clause (h), section 16, sub -section (2), section 18, sub- section (2), or sub-section

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Section 5

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54. Recovery of sums recoverable under certain provisions of Act.–6[Any penalty imposed under section 4, sub-section (2), every sum] declared to be recoverable by section 5, clause (f), section 6, sub-section (2), section 14, sub-section (2), clause (h), section 16, sub -section (2), section 18, sub- section (2), or sub-section (4) or section 26, sub-section (4), and every fee leviable under this

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Section 6

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ms recoverable under certain provisions of Act.–6[Any penalty imposed under section 4, sub-section (2), every sum] declared to be recoverable by section 5, clause (f), section 6, sub-section (2), section 14, sub-section (2), clause (h), section 16, sub -section (2), section 18, sub- section (2), or sub-section (4) or section 26, sub-section (4), and every fee leviable under this Act, may be recovered,

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Section 14

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rovisions of Act.–6[Any penalty imposed under section 4, sub-section (2), every sum] declared to be recoverable by section 5, clause (f), section 6, sub-section (2), section 14, sub-section (2), clause (h), section 16, sub -section (2), section 18, sub- section (2), or sub-section (4) or section 26, sub-section (4), and every fee leviable under this Act, may be recovered, on application to a Magistra

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Section 16

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under section 4, sub-section (2), every sum] declared to be recoverable by section 5, clause (f), section 6, sub-section (2), section 14, sub-section (2), clause (h), section 16, sub -section (2), section 18, sub- section (2), or sub-section (4) or section 26, sub-section (4), and every fee leviable under this Act, may be recovered, on application to a Magistrate having jurisdiction where the person l

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Section 18

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(2), every sum] declared to be recoverable by section 5, clause (f), section 6, sub-section (2), section 14, sub-section (2), clause (h), section 16, sub -section (2), section 18, sub- section (2), or sub-section (4) or section 26, sub-section (4), and every fee leviable under this Act, may be recovered, on application to a Magistrate having jurisdiction where the person liable to pay the same is for

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Section 26

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5, clause (f), section 6, sub-section (2), section 14, sub-section (2), clause (h), section 16, sub -section (2), section 18, sub- section (2), or sub-section (4) or section 26, sub-section (4), and every fee leviable under this Act, may be recovered, on application to a Magistrate having jurisdiction where the person liable to pay the same is for the time being resident, by the distress and sale of

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Section 24

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Ordinance: 1979 (LXII of 1979), s. 12. 43 Page 39 of 49 54C. Bar of Jurisdiction.–(1) Where a licensee gives a notice referred to in sub-section (1) of section 24 or discontinues supply of energy to a premises under the provisions of this Act, no court shall make an order prohibiting the licensee from discontinuing supply of energy to the premises, or requiring him to restore supply o

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Section 13

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of Provincial Government to Electric Inspectors.–The 1[Provincial Government] may, by general or special order, authorize the discharge of any of its functions under section 13 or section 18 2[or section 34, sub-section (2),] or clause V, sub-clause (2), or clause XIII of the Schedule by an Electric Inspector. 56. Protection for acts done in good faith.–No suit, prosecution or other proceeding sha

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Section 18

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Government to Electric Inspectors.–The 1[Provincial Government] may, by general or special order, authorize the discharge of any of its functions under section 13 or section 18 2[or section 34, sub-section (2),] or clause V, sub-clause (2), or clause XIII of the Schedule by an Electric Inspector. 56. Protection for acts done in good faith.–No suit, prosecution or other proceeding shall lie again

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Section 34

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ectric Inspectors.–The 1[Provincial Government] may, by general or special order, authorize the discharge of any of its functions under section 13 or section 18 2[or section 34, sub-section (2),] or clause V, sub-clause (2), or clause XIII of the Schedule by an Electric Inspector. 56. Protection for acts done in good faith.–No suit, prosecution or other proceeding shall lie against any public of

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Section 40

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y serv ant of a local authority, for anything done, or in good faith purporting to be done, under this Act. 57. Amendment of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.–(1) In section 40, sub-section (1), clause (b), and section 41, sub -section (5), of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (I of 1894), the term “work” shall be deemed to include electrical energy supplied, or to be supplied, by means of the work to

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Section 41

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one, or in good faith purporting to be done, under this Act. 57. Amendment of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.–(1) In section 40, sub-section (1), clause (b), and section 41, sub -section (5), of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (I of 1894), the term “work” shall be deemed to include electrical energy supplied, or to be supplied, by means of the work to be constructed. (2) The 1[Provincial Gov

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Section 3

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S TO BE DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED WITH, AND TO FORM PART OF, EVERY LICENSE GRANTED UNDER PART II, SO FAR AS NOT ADDED TO, VARIED OR EXCEPTED BY THE LICENSE [See section 3, sub-section (2), clause (f)] Security and Accounts 1. Security for execution of works of licensee not being local authority.–Where the licensee is not a local authority, the following provisions as to giving security s

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Section 4

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icensee shall, within the period fixed in that behalf by his license, or any longer period which the l[Provincial Government] may s ubstitute therefor by order under section 4, sub -section (3), clause (b), of the Electricity Act, 1910, before exercising any of the powers by the license conferred on him in relation to the execution of works, show, to the satisfaction of the l[Provincial Governmen

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Section 4

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see shall also, within the period fixed in that behalf by his license, or any longer period which the l[Provincial Government] may substitute therefor by order under section 4, sub-section (3), clause (b), of the Electricity Act, 1910, and before exercising any of the powers conferred on him in relation to the execution of works, d eposit or secure to the satisfaction of the l[Provincial Governme

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Section 26

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counterfeited the licensee’s seal, casing or covering affixed or placed to protect any meter, maximum demand indi cator or o ther measuring apparatus referred to in section 26 ; (iv) altered the index of any such meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus; (v) prevented any such meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus from duly register ing the energy

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Section 23

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I of 1922), s. 26. 53 Page 47 of 49 1[(1)] 2[* * * ] Where the licensee charges by any method 3[approved by the 4[Provincial Government] in accordance with section 23, sub -section (3), clause (c), of the Electricity Act, 1910,] any consumer who objects to that method may, by not less than one month’s notice in writing, require the licensee to charge him, at the licensee’s option, eith er

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Section 26

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y consumer of energy who is supplied by him from such distributing main. 1[(3)] 6[* * *] If the consumer is provided with a meter in pursuance of the provisions of section 26, sub-section (1), of the Electricity Act, 1910, and the licensee changes the method of charging for the energy supplied by him from the distributing main, the licensee shall bear the expense of providing a new meter, or such

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Provisions explicitly cited in other instruments 3

Section 3 of Railways Act, 1890

Cited by Electricity Act, 1910

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of sub-section (3) and (4) of section 18 and of the Explanation thereto shall apply in the case of any aerial line placed by any railway administration as defined in section 3 of the Railways Act, 1890 (IX o f 1890), as if references therein to the licensee were references to the railway administration.] 30. Control of transmission and use of energy.–(1) No person, other than a licensee duly authorized under the terms of

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Target heading · Railways Act, 1890

5[3. Definitions.—In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,— (a) “accident” means as defined in the Ordinance, (b) “Authority” means as defined in the Ordinance, (c) “Collector” means the chief officer in charge of the land-revenue administration of a district, and inc

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Section 23 of General Clauses Act, 1897

Cited by Electricity Act, 1910

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under section 37 shall be subject to the condition of the rules being made after previous publication. (2) The date to be specified in accordance with clause (3) of section 23 of the General Clauses Act, 1897 (X of 1897) , as that after which a draft of rules proposed to be made under section 37 will be taken into consideration shall not be less than three months from the date on which the draft of the proposed rules was published

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Target heading · General Clauses Act, 1897

23. Provisions applicable to making of rules or bye-laws after previous publication. Where, by any 10[ Central Act] or Regulation, a power to make rules or bye-laws is expressed to be given subject to the condition of the rules or bye-laws being made after previous publication, then the following provisions shall

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Section 32 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898 (Under Review)

Cited by Electricity Act, 1910

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es, etc.–(1) No court inferior to that of a Magistrate of the first class shall try an offence punishable under this Act. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 32 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), it shall be lawful for any Magistrate of the first class to pass any sentence authorised by this Act.] Supplementary 51. Exercise in certain cases of powers of telegraph authority. –Notwithstanding anyt

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Target heading · Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898 (Under Review)

32. Sentences which Magistrates may pass. __ (1) The Courts of Magistrates may pass the following sentences, namely:__ (a) Courts 1 [* * *] of Magistrates of the first class: Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2[Three years] including such solitary confinement as is authorized by law; Fine not exce

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Electricity Act, 1910
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