73. Functions and duties of Authority.- The Authority shall perform such functions and duties as the Central Government may prescribe or direct, and in particular to-- (a) advise the Central Government on the matters relating to the national electricity policy, formulate short-term and perspective plans for development of the electricity system and co-ordinate the activities of the planing agencies for the optimal utilisation of resources to subserve the interests of the national economy and to provide reliable and affordable electricity for all consumers; (b) specify the technical standards for construction of electrical plants, electric lines and connectivity to the grid; (c) specify the safety requirements for construction, operation and maintenance of electrical plants and electric lines; (d) specify the Grid Standards for operation and maintenance of transmission lines; (e) specify the conditions for installation of meters for transmission and supply of electricity; (f) promote and assist in the timely completion of schemes and projects for improving and augmenting the electricity system; (g) promote measures for advancing the skill of persons engaged in the electricity industry; (h) advise the Central Government on any matter on which its advice is sought or make recommendation to that Government on any matter if, in the opinion of the Authority, the recommendation would help in improving the generation, transmission, trading, distribution and utilisation of electricity; (i) collect and record the data concerning the generation, transmission, trading, distribution and utilisation of electricity and carry out studies relating to cost, efficiency, competitiveness and such like matters; (j) make public from time-to-time the information secured under this Act, and provide for the publication of reports and investigations; (k) promote research in matters affecting the generation, transmission, distribution and trading of electricity; (l) carry out, or cause to be carried out, any investigation for the purposes of generating or transmitting or distributing electricity; (m) advise any State Government, licensees or the generating companies on such matters which shall enable them to operate and maintain the electricity system under their ownership or control in an improved manner and where necessary, in co-ordination with any other Government, licensee or the generating company owning or having the control of another electricity system; (n) advise the Appropriate Government and the Appropriate Commission on all technical matters relating to generation, transmission and distribution of electricity; and (o) discharge such other functions as may be provided under this Act. | 