Electricity Act, 2003
73. Functions and
duties of Authority.-
The Authority shall
perform such functions and duties as the Central Government may prescribe or
direct, and in particular to--
a.
advise
the Central Government on the matters relating to the national electricity
policy, formulate short-term and perspective plans for development of the
electricity system and co-ordinate the activities of the planing agencies for
the optimal utilisation of resources to subserve the interests of the national
economy and to provide reliable and affordable electricity for all consumers;
b.
specify
the technical standards for construction of electrical plants, electric lines
and connectivity to the grid;
c.
specify
the safety requirements for construction, operation and maintenance of
electrical plants and electric lines;
d.
specify
the Grid Standards for operation and maintenance of transmission lines;
e.
specify
the conditions for installation of meters for transmission and supply of
electricity;
f.
promote
and assist in the timely completion of schemes and projects for improving and
augmenting the electricity system;
g.
promote
measures for advancing the skill of persons engaged in the electricity
industry;
h.
advise
the Central Government on any matter on which its advice is sought or make
recommendation to that Government on any matter if, in the opinion of the
Authority, the recommendation would help in improving the generation,
transmission, trading, distribution and utilisation of electricity;
i.
collect
and record the data concerning the generation, transmission, trading,
distribution and utilisation of electricity and carry out studies relating to
cost, efficiency, competitiveness and such like matters;
j.
make
public from time-to-time the information secured under this Act, and provide
for the publication of reports and investigations;
k.
promote
research in matters affecting the generation, transmission, distribution and
trading of electricity;
l.
carry
out, or cause to be carried out, any investigation for the purposes of
generating or transmitting or distributing electricity;
m.
advise
any State Government, licensees or the generating companies on such matters
which shall enable them to operate and maintain the electricity system under
their ownership or control in an improved manner and where necessary, in
co-ordination with any other Government, licensee or the generating company
owning or having the control of another electricity system;
n.
advise
the Appropriate Government and the Appropriate Commission on all technical
matters relating to generation, transmission and distribution of electricity;
and
o.
discharge
such other functions as may be Provided under this Act.