CEA Issues Draft Safety Regulations For Battery Energy Storage Systems, Seeks Public Comments

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has proposed a draft amendment to its safety regulations related to electric supply. The draft titled “Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2025” introduces comprehensive safety standards specifically for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The public notice inviting comments on this draft has been issued under Section 177 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The last date for stakeholders and the public to submit their comments is 20 July 2025. Interested parties can view the draft on the CEA website or inspect it at the CEA office in New Delhi during working hours.

The draft regulations aim to ensure additional safety requirements for BESS installations. A new chapter titled “Chapter X-A” has been added, which includes several safety provisions such as fault tolerance, fire suppression, emergency stops, security, ventilation, and hazard detection. One of the key proposals is that battery chargers must match the chemistry of the battery, and the system must be designed to handle two faults without causing a catastrophic failure. All components must comply with relevant safety standards.

The Battery Management System (BMS) must monitor and record voltage, temperature, and current at the cell and module levels. It should trigger alarms and stop operations if any parameter exceeds safe limits. The Power Conversion System (PCS) should operate automatically, synchronize with the grid, and include self-protection features. Battery containers must be explosion-proof with adequate ventilation, and specific clearances between containers and buildings have been defined. In case the distances are not possible, large-scale fire testing will be required to ensure safety.

Every BESS container with a capacity of 200 kWh or more must have a water-based fire suppression system. Lighting, emergency exits, signage, and security features such as fencing and CCTV monitoring must be included. Provisions for electrolyte spill containment, earthing, and manual emergency stop mechanisms are also specified.

An independent third-party fire safety audit must be conducted within three months of the final regulation being notified. The audit report must be submitted to the Electrical Inspector. Additionally, the relevant state government must ensure that fire safety officers are trained to handle BESS-specific risks, with training guidelines to be issued by the Directorate General of Fire Safety (DGFS) within three months of the notification.

A new regulation (Regulation 137) has also been added to the principal regulations stating that a list of relevant standards applicable to these amendments will be issued separately by the CEA within three months of the regulation’s publication.

These draft amendments are part of India’s growing focus on energy storage safety as battery systems become a core component of the country’s energy infrastructure. The CEA’s initiative reflects the need for structured guidelines to avoid fire, chemical, and operational hazards as the sector expands.