The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has taken a major step to strengthen India’s power infrastructure by proposing two new draft regulations that focus on improving both physical and digital safety in the electricity sector. These draft regulations have been issued under the powers granted by Section 177 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and the Authority has invited comments from the public and stakeholders before finalizing them. This move marks an important milestone in the modernization of India’s power system.
The first proposal is the Draft Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) (2nd Amendment) Regulations, 2025. This amendment aims to improve the standards that guide how power plants and electric lines are built. Instead of introducing completely new rules, the CEA is updating the existing framework to reflect the latest advancements in technology and engineering practices. The focus is on making India’s electrical infrastructure more durable, reliable, and safe. The changes are designed to prevent structural failures, enhance the lifespan of power assets, and ensure that electricity is delivered smoothly and safely across the country.
The draft amendment also introduces strict testing requirements for the materials used in construction, especially for metal-based structural components. These requirements are meant to ensure that every part of the system performs safely under different conditions. The tests include checking electrical resistance to ensure safe conductivity, fire resistance to limit damage during electrical faults, and drinking-water compatibility to ensure materials do not pollute water sources. In addition, the CEA has made corrosion-resistivity testing mandatory for all metal parts, which is especially important for India’s diverse climate where moisture and heat can cause rusting. Buoyancy and puncture tests are also required for components used near or in water, ensuring they remain functional and safe. These detailed provisions underline the CEA’s focus on quality assurance and safety from the ground up.
The second proposed regulation is the Draft Central Electricity Authority (Cyber Security in Power Sector) Regulations, 2025. This proposal recognizes the growing digital nature of the power sector and the rising threat of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure. With power systems increasingly dependent on smart meters, automated controls, and interconnected communication networks, the need for strong cybersecurity measures has become more urgent than ever. The regulation aims to set minimum cybersecurity standards for power utilities and other entities operating in the sector. It will likely include requirements for regular security audits, reporting procedures for cyber incidents, and mandatory measures to safeguard operational technology (OT) systems. The objective is to create a strong defense against cyber threats that could disrupt electricity supply or affect national security.
The Secretary of the CEA, Rakesh Kumar, has called on all stakeholders—including power utilities, industry experts, researchers, and the general public—to share their feedback. Comments and suggestions can be sent to the Chief Engineer (Legal) by post or email at celegal-cea@gov.in. The last date for submission is November 7, 2025. The final regulations, once approved, are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that India’s power infrastructure remains secure, efficient, and future-ready.
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