Electricity Act, 2003 (Amended by Act No. 26 of 2007), India

The Electricity Act of 2003 consolidates the laws relating to generation, transmission, distribution, trading and use of electricity. It also provides for taking measures conducive to development of the electricity industry, promoting competition, protecting interest of consumers and supply of electricity, rationalizing electricity tariff, ensuring transparent policies regarding subsidies, and promoting of efficient and environmentally benign policies. It further mandates the preparation of the National Electricity Policy, National Electricity Plan and Tariff Policy. The Act also constitutes the Central Electricity Authority, Regulatory Commissions and the Appellate Tribunal. It also provides for assessment and investigation of unauthorized use of electricity and violation of licenses, as well as offenses (theft of electricity, electric lines and materials) and penalties therefor.