13.     Functions and powers

            (1) The functions of the Corporation shall be the generation, transmission, supply and distribution of electricity in areas approved by the Minister in terms of legislation relating to the supply of electricity.

            (2) The Corporation shall have all powers necessary or convenient for the performance of its functions and duties, and without prejudice to the generality thereof shall have the power to-

     (a)     acquire, construct, install, assemble, repair, maintain, operate or remove electrical generating stations, main and sub-transmission lines, distribution lines, transformer stations, electrical appliances, fittings and installations;

     (b)     acquire and use any kind of property, undertaking, right or privilege and dispose of the same to the Government or any person other than a member, officer or employee of the Corporation, or any agent or contractor, appointed or employed by the Corporation;

     (c)     generate or acquire electricity;

     (d)     for the purpose of the efficient co-ordination of bulk supplies, enter into agreements in connection with the operating of generating stations which are inter-connected with the main transmission lines;

     (e)     supply or sell electricity in bulk or otherwise to such authorities, bulk users, or other persons or classes of persons as it may decide;

     (f)      enter into such contracts as may be necessary for the performance of its functions and duties;

     (g)     construct, or cause to be constructed, such works, houses, offices and other buildings and structures as it may deem necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions and duties;

     (h)     purchase, take on lease or otherwise acquire or construct or cause to be constructed, such tools, appliances, machinery, plant and equipment as it may deem necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions and duties;

     (i)      sell, exchange, lease, dispose of, turn to account or otherwise deal with any of its assets or any part thereof, whether movable or immovable, not required for its purposes:

                      Provided that the Corporation may not sell any of its immovable property without the approval of the Minister responsible for finance;

     (j)      invest from time to time, in such manner as it may deem fit, such moneys held by it as may be surplus to its immediate requirements, subject to the approval of the Minister responsible for finance;

     (k)     insure with any company or person against any losses, damages, risks or liabilities which the Corporation may incur;

     (l)      purchase or sell coal or other fuel, steam, water or other materials and stores used in the performance of its functions;

     (m)    sell by-products produced in the performance of its functions;

     (n)     sell, hire or otherwise dispose of electrical appliances and fittings;

     (o)     carry on any activity which is reasonably requisite or convenient for, or in connection with, the discharge of its functions under this Act;

     (p)     enter, upon such security as it may deem sufficient, into agreements for the loan of money to any person in its employ to enable him to purchase motor or other vehicles required by him for the purposes of his employment;

     (q)     give guarantees for the repayment of money lent by any other person to a person in its employ to enable him to purchase such vehicles as are referred to in paragraph (p);

     (r)      give guarantees for the repayment of up to 25 percent of the amount of moneys lent by a building society, or other financial institution approved by the Minister, for the purchase or construction of a dwelling house, to any person in the employ of the Corporation who is a member of the Corporation's superannuation scheme.

14.     Co-operation with authorities

            In the discharge of its functions the Corporation shall co-operate with local and other public authorities, including departments and agencies of the Government, and shall consult with local authorities in matters of concern to the Corporation which affect their interests.

15.     Research and records

            With a view to facilitating present or future research or planning, the Corporation shall keep full and accurate records of all its operations and shall have power to engage in research, and to assist others to engage in research, in respect of any matter relating to its functions, and to publish such records and the results of any such research.

16.     Power of Minister to give directions

            The Minister may, after consultation with the Corporation, give to the Corporation such directions of a general or specific character as to the exercise and performance of its powers in fulfilling its functions as are necessary as a matter of public policy and as are not inconsistent with this Act nor with the contractual or other legal obligations of the Corporation, and the Corporation shall give effect to any such directions.