(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the prices to be charged by a distribution licensee for the supply of electricity by him in pursuance of section 43 shall be in accordance with such tariffs fixed from time to time and conditions of his licence.
(2) The charges for electricity supplied by a distribution licensee shall be—
(a) fixed in accordance with the methods and the principles as may be specified by the Appropriate Commission;
(b) published in such manner as may be specified by the Appropriate Commission.
(3) The charges for electricity supplied by a distribution licensee may include—
(a) a fixed charge in addition to the charge for the actual electricity supplied;
(b) a charge for electricity supplied;
(c) a rent or other charges in respect of any electric meter or electrical plant provided by the distribution licensee.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 45
Section 45 of the Electricity Act, 2003 authorizes distribution licensees to recover charges for electricity supplied in accordance with tariffs determined by the Appropriate Commission, permitting two-part and multi-part tariff structures comprising fixed and variable energy charges.
When challenging exorbitant electricity bills or back-billing notices before the Electricity Ombudsman or High Court, audit the bill line-by-line against the SERC's notified Section 45 Retail Tariff Order, challenging any unnotified ancillary levy or incorrect slab assessment as ultra vires Section 45(5).