The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has urgently requested all Power Sector Utilities (Generation, Transmission, and Distribution) to provide specific feedback and suggestions aimed at bolstering Quality Infrastructure and improving the reliability and safety of power sector assets.
This request follows a high-level meeting on Quality Infrastructure Projects held under the Chairmanship of the Advisor to the Prime Minister on July 15, 2025, where the Secretary (Power) emphasized the critical need to strengthen quality assurance, monitoring, assessment, enforcement, and the adoption of technology, including drone-based monitoring.
Regulatory Mandate for Quality
The CEA highlighted its authority under the Electricity Act, 2003, to mandate technical standards for the construction, operation, and maintenance of electrical plants and lines. This legally requires that all equipment and installations conform to relevant national or international standards.
Furthermore, the implementation of Quality Control Orders issued by the concerned ministry, coupled with the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016 (which allows the Central Government to mandate the use of a Standard Mark), serves to legally enforce quality standards for critical power equipment. A Standardisation Cell has already been established within the CEA to facilitate the adoption of Indian Standards and strengthen compliance frameworks.
Requested Inputs from Power Sector Utilities
To effectively address prevailing quality issues, all Power Sector Utilities are required to furnish the following detailed inputs within 15 days:
- Specific Issues: Details of specific issues faced regarding the quality of equipment, installations, or during operation (e.g., transformers, switchgear, conductors, etc.).
- Current Measures: Details of steps already undertaken by the utility to improve quality, including enforcement measures or monitoring mechanisms.
- Suggestions for Improvement: Concrete suggestions for strengthening quality infrastructure, improving compliance, or accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies for enhanced asset reliability and safety.