(1) A licensee shall not, in making any agreement for the supply of energy, show under preference to any person
(2) No consumer shall, except with the consent in writing of the licensee, use energy supplied to him under one method of charging in a manner for which a higher method of charging is in force.
(3) In the absence of an agreement to the contrary, a licensee may charge for energy supplied by him to any consumer-
(a) By the actual amount of energy so supplied, or
(b) By the electrical quantity contained in the supply, or
(c) By such other method as may be approved by the State Government.
(4) Any charges made by a licensee under clause (c) of sub-section (3) may be based upon, and vary in accordance with, any one or more of the following considerations, namely-
(a) The consumer’s load factor, or
(b) The power factor of his load, or
(c) His total consumption of energy during any stated period, or
(d) The hours at which the supply of energy is required.
24. Discontinuance of supply to consumer neglecting to pay charge.
(1) Where any person neglects to pay any charge for energy or any sum, other than a charge for energy, due from him to a licensee in respect of the supply of energy to him, the licensee may, after giving not le s than seven clear days’ notice in writing to such person and without prejudice to his right to recover such charge or other sum by suit, cut off the supply and for that purpose cut or disconnect any electric supply-line or other works being the property of the licensee, through which energy may be supplied, and may discontinue the supply until such charger or other sum, together with ally expenses incurred by him in cutting off and reconnecting the supply, are [)aid, but no longer.
(2) Where any difference or dispute which by or under this Act is required to he determined by an Electrical Inspector, has been referred to the Inspector before notice as aforesaid has been given by the licensee, the licensee shall not exercise the powers conferred by this section until the Inspector has given his decision:
Provided that the prohibition contained in this subsection shall not apply in any case in which the licensee has made a request in writing to the consumer for a deposit with the Electrical Inspector of the amount of the licensee’s charges or other sums in dispute or for the deposit of the licensee’s further charges for energy as they accrue, and the consumer has failed to comply with such request.