(1) The extent,
characteristics, and value of the energy supplied by an energy operator to any
premises, or any part of any premises separately so supplied, shall, unless
otherwise agreed by the energy operator or some other provision of this Act
applies, be ascertained by reference to an appropriate meter fixed and
connected to the supply system in a manner approved by the energy operator.
(2) In relation to any
supply or proposed supply of energy by an energy operator to any premises, or
to any part of any premises separately so supplied, the energy operator may
—
(a)
cause a meter to be placed so as to serve the premises, or that part of those
premises, for the purpose of ascertaining the extent, characteristics, or
value of the supply;
(b)
cause a meter or other device, which may be additional to any meter placed for
the purpose of ascertaining the extent, characteristics, or value of the
supply, to be placed so as to serve the premises for the purpose of regulating
the supply, or the period of supply or the nature or extent of the supply;
(c) at
all reasonable times without prior notice by any officer or servant of the
energy operator enter upon the premises in so far as is necessary and there
execute all works and do all acts needed to inspect, read, examine, test,
maintain, and repair any meter or any apparatus, works, or device belonging to
the energy operator, and remove or replace the same.
(3) An energy operator
may make a charge in respect of the costs of installing, maintaining, removing
or replacing a meter placed to ascertain the extent, characteristics, or value
of the supply effected by the energy operator.
(4) An energy operator
may, on payment of such charges, and on such terms and conditions, as may be
prescribed or as are otherwise agreed, supply a meter for purposes other than
ascertaining the extent, characteristics, or value of the supply effected by
the energy operator, but in any such case, except where the contract relating
to the supply of that meter otherwise provides, the energy operator shall not
be liable for or in respect of any loss or damage occasioned to the person to
whom such a meter is supplied whether by reason of the reliance of that person
on the proper functioning of that meter in his dealings with any other party
or otherwise.
[Section 64 amended: No. 24 of 1986 s. 26; No. 89
of 1994 s. 39, 40 and 41; No. 58 of 1999 s. 83.]