Whereas the Electricity Act, 2003 (36 of 2003)(hereinafter referred to as the Act), came into force on the 10th June, 2003;

And whereas sub-section (73) of Section 2 of the Act defines a transmission licensee as a licensee authorized to establish or operate transmission lines;

And whereas sub-section (72) of Section 2 of the Act provides that transmission lines means all high pressure cables and overhead lines (not being an essential part of the distribution system of a licensee) transmitting electricity from a generating station to another generating station or a sub-station, together with any step-up and step-down transformers, switch-gear and other works necessary to and used for the control of such cables or overhead lines, and such buildings or part thereof as may be required to accommodate such transformers, switch-gear and other works;

And whereas supply of electricity to the housing colonies of the operating staff of sub-stations located in the same premises is an integral part of the activity of transmission of electricity by a transmission licensee;

And whereas housing the operating staff in the premises, where such sub-station is located, is absolutely necessary in the interest of satisfactory operation of such sub-station;

And whereas difficulties have arisen regarding the requirement of taking licence for supplying power to the housing units of the operating staff of the sub-stations by transmission licensees;

Now, therefore, the Central Government in exercise of its powers conferred by Section 183 of the Act hereby makes this order in respect of supply of electricity to the housing colonies of the operating staff of sub-station, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Act, to remove the difficulties, namely.