Page:Electricity Act 2001.pdf/63

64 (3) The remuneration and allowances, if any, of a member of an Appeal Panel shall be determined by the Minister and shall form part of the expenses of the Authority.

(4) An Appeal Panel shall be independent in the performance of its functions.

Powers of Appeal Panel

66.—(1) An Appeal Panel shall, by notice to the Authority and the appellant, specify the date on and the place at which the appeal shall be heard.

(2) An Appeal Panel shall have all the powers and duties of the Authority that are necessary to carry out its functions and duties under this Act.

(3) An Appeal Panel shall have the powers, rights and privileges vested in a District Court on the hearing of an action, including—
 * (a) the enforcement of the attendance of witnesses and their examination on oath or otherwise; and
 * (b) the compelling of the production of documents.

(4) A summons signed by any member of the Appeal Panel as may be authorised by the Appeal Panel shall be equivalent to any formal procedure capable of being issued in an action for enforcing the attendance of witnesses and compelling the production of documents.

(5) Where any person being duly summoned to attend before an Appeal Panel does not so attend, that person shall be guilty of an offence.

(6) A witness before an Appeal Panel shall be entitled to the same immunities and privileges as if he were a witness before a District Court.

(7) All appeals under this section shall be determined, having regard to the nature and complexity of the appeal, as soon as reasonably practicable.

(8) In the case of a modification of any condition of a licence, the Appeal Panel may either confirm the modification or direct the Authority not to make the modification, and the Appeal Panel’s decision shall be final.