Section 29: Powers of Minister

29. Powers of Minister (1) The Minister may issue general policy recommendations to the Authority on matters concerning utility services to the extent that such recommendation is not inconsistent with this Act or the relevant Utility legislation. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Minister may issue any directives in relation to— (a) the implementation of the general policy of the Government with respect to utility services; and (b) the extension of any utility service to customers in areas not provided with adequate utility service. (3) Any directive issued under subsection (2) with respect to the grant of any subsidy or other financial assistance by any licensee to any category of customer shall be established and implemented in a transparent manner, and any such subsidy or financial assistance shall be duly and separately accounted for by each licensee. (4) The Minister shall, with respect to the formulation and the implementation of the policy of the Government, ensure coordination with environmental regulatory agencies, and provide advice respecting policies and procedures for appropriate environmental regulation of utility services and undertakings. (5) The Minister may request the Authority to furnish him with such information as the Authority is empowered to obtain, to formulate policy on regulated utility services, subject to the confidentiality requirements provided for under section 33.