Section 94 of EA 2003, Electricity Act : Section 94: Powers Of Appropriate Commission

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a group of residents in a city believe that their electricity provider is overcharging them. They file a complaint with the State Electricity Regulatory Commission, which is the appropriate commission in this context.

The Commission decides to conduct an inquiry into the matter. Under Section 94 of The Electricity Act, 2003, the Commission has the power to:

• Summon the executives of the electricity provider company to appear before the Commission and testify under oath about their billing practices.
• Require the electricity provider to produce billing records and any other documents that could serve as evidence of the alleged overcharging.
• Accept affidavits from residents who have recorded their experiences and charges in written statements.
• Call for public records from the government bodies that regulate utility prices to understand if the charges align with approved rates.
• If a key witness is unable to attend the hearing, issue a commission to take their examination elsewhere.
• Review its previous decisions regarding the electricity provider's rates if necessary.

If the residents need immediate relief from the high charges, the Commission can use its power to issue an interim order to temporarily adjust the billing until the final decision is made.

Additionally, the Commission can appoint a consumer advocate to represent the interests of the affected residents during the proceedings.