Questions and Answers
Within how many days can a person apply for a review of an order of the Forum?
Thirty (30) days.
What is one circumstance under which a review of an order can be applied for?
If no appeal or representation has been preferred.
What must be clearly stated in the review application?
The matter or evidence not known or producible at the time of the order.
Who hears the review application?
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Under what condition can a review application be heard by a different bench?
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What must happen before a review application can be rejected?
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What happens if the Forum finds no sufficient ground for review?
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What must the Forum provide before granting a review application?
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What must accompany the review application?
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What grounds can lead to the removal of an Electricity Ombudsman?
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What must the Commission do before removing an Electricity Ombudsman for specific reasons?
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Which clause relates to the physical or mental capability of the Electricity Ombudsman?
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What is the implication of clause (b) regarding moral turpitude?
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What does clause (d) refer to regarding interests of the Electricity Ombudsman?
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What does clause (e) signify about the Ombudsman's position?
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What does clause (f) encompass concerning the Ombudsman's behaviour?
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Which clause addresses the failure to perform assigned functions by the Ombudsman?
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Why is it important for the Commission to formally record reasons for removing an Ombudsman?
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What shall prevail in case of inconsistency between the Regulations and the Standards of Performance?
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What does 'Act' refer to in the context of these Regulations?
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Who is considered a 'Complainant' under these Regulations?
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What constitutes a 'Complaint' as defined in the Regulations?
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Define 'Grievance' in the context of these Regulations.
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What is the 'Forum' mentioned in the Regulations?
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Who is the 'Electricity Ombudsman'?
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What is the prerequisite for a consumer to file a 'Representation'?
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What qualifications does a 'Nodal Officer' have according to these Regulations?
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What is required of the Distribution Licensee after an order from the Electricity Ombudsman?
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What can the Complainant do if the Distribution Licensee does not comply with the Ombudsman's order?
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What constitutes non-compliance with the Electricity Ombudsman's orders?
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Who bears the expenses of the inspection undertaken by a third party as per Regulation 23.4?
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Can a party appeal against the order of the Electricity Ombudsman before the Commission?
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What is sent along with the order of the Electricity Ombudsman?
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What costs can a person requesting information from the Electricity Ombudsman expect to pay?
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What happens if the Distribution Licensee fails to comply with an order?
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Under what circumstance can commercial confidence information be disclosed according to Regulation 24.2?
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What is not required from applicants when requesting information from the Electricity Ombudsman?
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What time frame must the Distribution Licensee comply with the Ombudsman's order?
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Who must the Distribution Licensee inform regarding compliance with the order?
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What type of information does Regulation 24.2(b) state will not be disclosed?
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What actions might the Commission take against the Distribution Licensee for non-compliance?
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Which regulation outlines the expenses for inspections by third parties?
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What should the Electricity Ombudsman consider before disclosing sensitive information?
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What type of information is protected from disclosure to maintain competitive positions?
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Is the obligation to disclose information absolute according to Regulation 24?
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Study Notes
Regulations Overview
- Regulations align harmoniously with the Standards of Performance for Distribution Licensees as well as the Electricity Supply Code.
- In case of inconsistencies, the Standards of Performance and the Electricity Supply Code take precedence.
Key Definitions
- Act: Refers to the Electricity Act, 2003 (36 of 2003).
- Commission: Refers to the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission.
- Complainant: Any consumer or prospective consumer filing a complaint against their Distribution Licensee.
- Complaint: Expression of dissatisfaction regarding electricity supply by the Distribution Licensee.
- Grievance: Any inadequacy or defect in services provided by a Distribution Licensee, including non-compliance with regulatory orders.
Forums and Authorities
- Forum: A grievance redressal mechanism established by Distribution Licensees under Section 42(5) of the Act.
- Electricity Ombudsman: An authority designated by the Commission to address non-redressal of grievances by the Forum.
Review Process
- A review application can be filed by any aggrieved party within 30 days of the Forum's order under certain conditions:
- Absence of prior appeal or representation.
- Discovery of new important evidence post-order.
- Demonstration of an obvious mistake within the order.
- Review hearings take place with the same bench that issued the original order unless otherwise permitted.
Grounds for Removing the Electricity Ombudsman
- Removal can occur if the Ombudsman:
- Becomes insolvent or convicted of morally improper offenses.
- Loses capability to fulfill duties due to physical or mental reasons.
- Has conflicts of interest affecting impartiality.
- Misbehaves or fails to perform assigned functions.
Compliance and Enforcement
- Orders from the Electricity Ombudsman are binding on all parties and must be implemented promptly.
- Non-compliance could lead to violations under Sections 142 and 146 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
- Complainants can seek enforcement from the Commission if orders are not followed within stipulated timelines.
Right to Information
- Individuals can request copies of Ombudsman orders without needing to justify their request.
- Certain information may be withheld to protect commercial interests or during investigations.
Inspection Costs
- Inspection expenses related to third-party inspections are borne by the Distribution Licensee; costs may factor into tariff determinations if deemed reasonable.
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Description
This quiz explores the regulations and standards of performance for distribution licensees under the Electricity Supply Code. It focuses on understanding the principles governing the harmonization of these regulations with existing guidelines. Test your knowledge about the relevant provisions and their applications.