Section 67 of EA 2003, Electricity Act : Section 67: Provision As To Opening Up Of Streets, Railways, Etc

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where an electricity distribution company (licensee) needs to upgrade the power lines in a suburban neighborhood to meet the growing electricity demand. The upgrade involves the installation of new, higher-capacity cables. To do this, the company must dig trenches along the streets to lay the new cables. Here's how Section 67 of The Electricity Act, 2003 would apply:

• The company can break up the pavement and soil on the streets to lay down the new electric supply lines (as per Section 67(1)(a)).
• If the upgrade requires moving existing water pipes to accommodate the new power lines, the company is allowed to alter the position of these pipes (as per Section 67(1)(c)).
• Before starting the work, the company must seek the consent of the local government and notify the affected property owners, following the rules specified by the Appropriate Government regarding notice period and objection handling (as per Section 67(2)(a), (c), and (d)).
• If the digging damages a homeowner's driveway, the company is required to compensate the homeowner for the damage and inconvenience caused (as per Section 67(3)).
• If there is a dispute over the compensation amount, the matter will be determined by the Appropriate Commission (as per Section 67(4)).
• In case the company fails to minimize the damage or inconvenience, the Appropriate Commission may impose a penalty on the company in addition to the compensation (as per Section 67(5)).