Section 17: Right of access to information

17. Right of access to information (1) The Authority may— (a) inspect any record kept by a licensee for the purposes of this Act or the relevant Utility legislation; (b) request in writing a licensee to provide the Authority with such information as it may from time to time require with respect to the operation of its undertaking; (c) hold a public hearing, in such manner as may be prescribed, in relation to a matter of significant public importance which is being considered or the subject matter of an investigation which is carried out by it; (d) request in writing a licensee to submit, periodically or as and when required, any information, books, accounts or other document relevant to the carrying out by the Authority of its responsibilities under this Act and the relevant Utility legislation, in such manner as may be determined by the Authority, provided that a person shall not be compelled to provide information which such person cannot reasonably be expected to obtain. U11 – 9 [Issue 1] Utility Regulatory Authority Act (2) Any person who— (a) destroys, tampers or conceals any information book, accounts or other document likely to be required in relation to a request made by the Authority under subsection (1); (b) without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a request made by the Authority under subsection (1), shall commit an offence. PART IV – FUNDING OF AUTHORITY