CEA Seeks Stakeholder Feedback On Revised Guidelines For Power Sector Equipment Testing And Quality Assurance

The Central Electricity Authority has invited comments from stakeholders on newly drafted guidelines for major equipment used in the power sector. This step has come after a recent review of existing procedures and a decision to revise the inspection processes. The earlier guidelines were first issued in March 2022 to standardize the periodicity of type tests and ensure uniformity in the Model Quality Assurance Plans for equipment used in power plants and electric lines. Those guidelines were made mandatory in December 2022, setting a benchmark for equipment testing and quality assurance across the sector.

However, the approach to inspections changed following a high-level meeting held on January 12, 2023, chaired by the Secretary (Power). At this meeting, it was decided that inspections of equipment at the manufacturer’s location would be discontinued. Acting on this decision, the Ministry of Power asked the Central Electricity Authority to re-examine and update its existing guidelines. The review process also included feedback from industry stakeholders, many of whom highlighted the need to revise the frequency of type tests for power sector equipment.

Taking these points into consideration, the CEA has now prepared new draft guidelines for the sector. These are being presented under two titles, “Guidelines for the Type Tests for Major Equipment of Power Sector” and “Guidelines for Model Quality Assurance Plan (MQAP) for Major Equipment of Power Sector.” Both documents are designed to provide an updated framework for testing and quality assurance that reflects current industry needs, policy adjustments, and practical challenges raised by stakeholders.

The authority has made the drafts available for public review and has opened the process for comments and suggestions from all interested parties. Stakeholders from across the power sector, including manufacturers, utilities, and other industry participants, have been invited to study the revised drafts and share their feedback. The deadline for submitting comments has been fixed as September 12, 2025, and responses must be sent via email.

This consultation process is a critical step in ensuring that the revised guidelines are practical, effective, and widely acceptable. The new drafts are expected to bring improvements in quality standards for equipment, streamline type testing requirements, and ensure consistency in assurance processes across the sector. The move is also aimed at balancing regulatory oversight with industry flexibility, reducing unnecessary inspection burdens, and keeping testing requirements aligned with the latest industry practices.

By updating these guidelines, the Central Electricity Authority is not only responding to the directives of the Ministry of Power but also taking into account the views of the stakeholders who deal directly with the implementation of quality and testing procedures. The outcome of this consultation is likely to have a lasting impact on how major power sector equipment is tested, certified, and assured for long-term performance and reliability.