What is the penalty to be imposed in the case of an unauthorized extension of a service connection, under the Conditions of Supply of Electrical Energy, the Regulations framed under Section 79(j) of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948, is the issue arising for consideration in this case. The Electricity Board has taken the view that the unauthorized extension is to be penalized at three times the energy charges prescribed under LT VIII Tariff, for the period the unauthorized extension was connected to the system. At the outset it is to be noted that even under Regulation 42(d) of the Conditions of Supply read with Section 26 of the Indian Electricity Act, 1910 the penalty is to be limited only to six months.

2. Regulation 24 of the Conditions of Supply of Electrical Energy provides that “supply taken from the existing plug point/mains to any appliance situated outside the premises will be treated as an extension. Such extensions should be taken only for temporary purposes.” The procedure for taking such temporary extension is prescribed under the same Regulation. To the extent relevant it reads as follows:-

“Should the consumer, at any time after the supply of energy has b