Ministry of Power Waives CEA Concurrence for Pumped Storage Schemes
The Ministry of Power has issued a new notification, that supersedes a previous order from 2006 and introduces new regulations for the establishment of hydro generating stations. The notification, issued in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 8 of the Electricity Act, 2003, states that any scheme for a hydro generating station with an estimated capital expenditure exceeding ₹3,000 crore will require the concurrence of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
CEA to Host Webinar on Advanced Photovoltaic Technologies to Drive Solar Innovation and Self-Reliance
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), operating under its mandate from Section 73(k) of the Electricity Act, 2003, is set to host a pivotal webinar focused on “R&D Activities in Advanced Photovoltaic Technologies/Advanced engineering on solar cell.” This initiative aims to catalyze innovation, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation solar technologies, significantly contributing to India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision.
CEA Issues Comprehensive Guidelines for Automatic Weather Stations at Solar and Wind Power Plants
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released detailed guidelines for the installation and operation of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) at solar and wind power plants across India. These guidelines are designed to ensure accurate, real-time meteorological data measurement, which is crucial for optimizing renewable energy generation, improving predictability and efficiency, enhancing grid reliability, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Strengthened Electrical Safety Norms and Public Awareness Drive Launched Under CEA 2023 Regulations
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has rolled out enhanced safety measures under the CEA (Measures Related to Safety and Electrical Supply) Regulation, 2023, aimed at reducing electrical accidents and promoting safer electrical practices in residential, commercial, and industrial settings across India.
CEA Proposes Extensive New Safety Regulations for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released the Draft Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2025. These regulations introduce a set of additional safety requirements specifically for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The regulations aim to bolster safety standards in line with the growing deployment of BESS in India’s power sector. The draft regulations are now open for public comments.
Ministry of Power Proposes Key Amendments to Electricity Rules for Energy Storage Systems
The Union Ministry of Power has released a draft of proposed amendments to Rule 18 of the Electricity Rules, 2005, specifically addressing Energy Storage Systems (ESS). The proposed Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2025 aim to clarify and update provisions related to the development, operation, and utilization of energy storage within India’s power sector. The Ministry is seeking comments from a wide array of stakeholders on these crucial changes within 30 days, by July 10, 2025.
CEA Report Highlights Failures in High Voltage Substation Equipment
The report, prepared based on data provided by 26 power utilities and deliberations held on March 24 and 25, 2025, in New Delhi, highlights a total of 162 failure incidents involving various crucial substation components. These include Transformers, Reactors, Instrument Transformers, Surge Arresters, Circuit Breakers, Disconnectors, Wave Traps, Coupling Capacitors, Bays, Cables, and PASS Modules.
CEA Seeks Input on Draft Safety Audit Checklist for Hydro Power Sector
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. The CEA has invited comments and inputs on this draft document from various stakeholders in the hydro power industry by June 12, 2025.
CEA to Host National Workshop on Renewable Energy Integration through Energy Storage
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is organizing a national workshop focused on the integration of Renewable Energy (RE) through Energy Storage Systems (ESS). It has now released the final agenda for the workshop, providing a detailed schedule of the sessions and speakers.
CEA Updates Guidance on FGD Technology Selection for Thermal Power Plants
The CEA document provides a brief review of new MoEF&CC environmental rules, outlining the emission limits based on the date of installation of the power plant and specific water consumption requirements. It also includes information on stack height requirements post-FGD installation, as per a MoEF&CC amendment notification dated June 28th, 2018.
CEA Proposes Amendments to Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Lines
The draft Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2025 seeks to amend the Schedule-VII which outlines the Right-of-Way (ROW) requirements for both Lattice Structures and Pole Structures using ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) and HTLS (High-Temperature Low-Sag) conductors at various voltage levels (ranging from 66kV to 1200kV and including ±500kV & ±800kV HVDC).