57. Meters, maximum demand indicators and other apparatus on consumer's premises .-(1) Any meter or maximum demand indicator or other apparatus placed upon a consumer's premises in accordance with section 26 shall be of appropriate capacity and shall be deemed to be correct if its limits of error [are within the limits specified in the relevant Indian Standard Specification and where no such specification exists, the limits of error] do not exceed 3 per cent above or below absolute accuracy at all loads in excess of one tenth of full load and up to full load:
[Provided that for extra-high voltage consumers the limit of error shall be ± 1 per cent.] [ Added by G.S.R. 218, dated 18.4.1995 (w.e.f. 29.4.1995).](2)No meter shall register at no load.(3)Every supplier shall provide and maintain in proper condition such suitable apparatus as may be prescribed or approved by the Inspector for the examination, testing and regulation of meters used or intended to be used in connection with the supply of energy:Provided that the supplier may with the approval of the Inspector and shall, if required by the Inspector, enter into a joint arrangement with any other supplier for the purpose aforesaid.(4)Every supplier shall examine, test and regulate all meters, maximum demand indicators and other apparatus for ascertaining the amount of energy supplied before their first installation at the consumer's premises and at such other intervals as may be directed by the State Government in this behalf.(5)Every supplier shall maintain a register of meters showing the date of the last test, the error recorded at the time of the test, the limit of accuracy after adjustment and final test, the date of installation, withdrawal, reinstallation, etc., for the examination of the Inspector or his authorised representative.(6)[ Where the supplier has failed to examine, test and regulate the meters and keep records thereof as aforesaid, the Inspector may cause such meters to be tested and sealed at the cost of the owner of meters in case these are found defective.] [ Inserted by G.S.R. 844, dated 31.7.1985 (w.e.f. 7.9.1985).]
