CEA Moves to Upgrade India’s Power Sector with New Draft Rules on Infrastructure and Cybersecurity

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has unveiled two new draft regulations aimed at modernising India’s power infrastructure, focusing on both physical construction standards and cybersecurity in the power sector.

The proposals mark a significant step toward updating grid norms to accommodate emerging technologies such as renewable energy and battery storage systems. In a public notice, the CEA invited stakeholders and the general public to review and provide feedback on the 'Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) (2nd Amendment) Regulations, 2025' and the 'Central Electricity Authority (Cyber Security in Power Sector) Regulations, 2025.' The  comments can be submitted by November 7, 2025.

A major highlight of the technical standards amendment is the inclusion of a new chapter on Renewable Energy Stations and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This section introduces formal definitions for key components like the Battery Management System (BMS) and Power Conversion System (PCS), while detailing the technical and safety benchmarks for constructing solar, wind, and storage-based power projects. Developers are required to ensure continuous operation of equipment and maintain essential records such as as-built drawings and test certificates at project sites.

For solar power plants, the draft mandates a design life of at least 25 years and prescribes comprehensive standards for site selection, equipment, and system configuration. Each solar PV module must carry a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag containing manufacturing and certification information for better traceability. Floating solar installations are subject to additional conditions, including wind-tunnel and tensile strength testing for floaters, corrosion-resistance requirements, and the use of marine-grade cables in water-based environments.

The standards for wind power plants also prescribe a 25-year design life and define turbine spacing norms to minimize wake losses. Each turbine must bear an RFID tag with essential technical details. Offshore wind projects face more stringent requirements, with specific guidelines for foundations, submarine power cables, and offshore substations, which must include helipads or helihoists to facilitate all-weather access and maintenance.

On the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) front, the draft provides detailed technical specifications and safety protocols covering cells, modules, BMS, and the Energy Management System (EMS). It emphasizes multiple use cases, from renewable energy integration to black-start capability, and enforces safety provisions such as DC breakers, over-current protection, and adequate spacing between units. These measures address global concerns surrounding BESS safety, including risks of thermal runaway and fire incidents, and call for robust emergency response frameworks.

Parallel to these technical standards, the CEA’s proposed Cyber Security Regulations aim to counter rising digital threats to India’s increasingly automated power ecosystem. With smart meters, control systems, and interconnected networks becoming critical to grid operations, the regulations propose minimum cybersecurity norms, periodic security audits, mandatory reporting of cyber incidents, and protective mechanisms for critical operational technology (OT) assets.

Together, these two draft regulations show a comprehensive approach to improving both the physical and digital strength of India’s power sector. By setting strong engineering standards alongside strict cybersecurity rules, the CEA aims to ensure a safe, reliable, and future-ready electricity network. The public consultation remains open, inviting stakeholders to provide feedback and help shape the final rules guiding India’s power infrastructure.