The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) has notified the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Grid Code, 2026, replacing the earlier Grid Code issued in 2011. The new regulations have been framed under the powers given by the Electricity Act, 2003, and are aligned with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (CERC) Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) Regulations, 2023, along with its later amendments.
The new Grid Code will apply across the entire state of Chhattisgarh and will come into force from the date it is officially published in the Chhattisgarh Rajpatra. It serves as a legally binding framework for the planning, operation, and management of the state’s electricity grid. The regulations will be applicable to all entities connected to the intra-state transmission system, including the State Transmission Utility (STU), the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC), distribution companies (Discoms), power generating companies, and bulk consumers.
The Commission stated that the main objective of the new Grid Code is to ensure a secure, reliable, efficient, and coordinated electricity network while improving the overall economy of grid operations. The code consists of sixteen chapters covering various aspects of power system planning, technical standards, operational procedures, grid security, and cyber security requirements.
One of the key provisions is the introduction of a Resource Adequacy Code under Chapter 3. The new framework requires integrated planning of electricity demand, generation capacity, and transmission infrastructure. Distribution companies have been assigned the responsibility of preparing electricity demand forecasts for the next ten years. These forecasts will help in maintaining an adequate generation mix and sufficient reserve capacity to meet future electricity demand. The regulations also require the transmission system to maintain an “n-1” security standard so that the grid continues to operate safely even if one major transmission line, transformer, or generating unit goes out of service.
Chapter 4 sets detailed connectivity requirements for entities connecting to the transmission network. It specifies power injection limits for different voltage levels, starting from 11 kV connections under the PM KUSUM Scheme up to 400 kV transmission systems. The regulations prohibit tap connections on Extra High Voltage (EHV) and 33 kV transmission lines to improve system safety. In addition, all open-access consumers with a capacity of 1 MW or above must install telemetry systems for real-time monitoring.
The Operating Code under Chapter 5 requires all grid-connected entities to function in coordination under the supervision of the SLDC. The regulations do not allow any part of the grid to operate in isolation unless there is an emergency that could lead to serious equipment damage or a complete system collapse. The code also specifies four stages of automatic Under-Frequency Relay (UFR) settings, beginning at 49.40 Hz and extending to 48.80 Hz, to maintain grid stability during disturbances. Generating stations must keep their governors operational to provide immediate primary frequency response whenever required.
To improve transparency, the regulations direct the CSERC, STU, and SLDC to make the complete Grid Code available on their official websites. The STU has also been instructed to provide printed copies of the code to any person requesting them at a reasonable price.
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