The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has prepared a draft “Safety Audit Checklist” specifically for the Hydro Power Sector. This checklist is designed to monitor compliance with the Central Electricity Authority (Safety Requirements for Construction, Operation and Maintenance of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022.
In a circular dated April 28th, 2025, the Hydro Engineering & Tech. Dev. and Renovation & Modernization Division of the CEA has invited comments and inputs on this crucial draft document from various stakeholders in the hydro power industry.
The draft checklist covers a wide range of safety aspects within a hydro power plant, including:
- Plant Biodata: Basic information about the utility, plant location, capacity, and manpower.
- General Aspects of Safety: Emergency procedures, safety awareness programs, and workplace safety.
- Hydro Turbine: Safety checks related to the turbine, vibrations, foundation, casing, blades, and protection valves.
- Hydro Generator: Safety aspects of the generator, bearings, fire protection system, bus duct, and grounding.
- E&M Equipment: Safety checks for transformers, DC supply systems, grounding, illumination, power cables, DG sets, and EOT cranes.
- Emergency Management Plan (EMP): Preparedness for emergencies, communication systems, response teams, evacuation procedures, and fire safety measures.
- Fire Protection: Detailed checks on fire detection, protection, and maintenance systems.
The CEA emphasizes that responses to the checklist should be supported by documentary evidence. The circular requests that all concerned entities, including MDs/CMDs/CEOs of CPSUs, State Utilities, and Private Developers in the hydro power sector, provide their valuable inputs and comments within 45 days from April 28, 2025, i.e. June 12, 2025.
All feedback should be sent to the following email address: hetdcea@nic.in.
