CEA Issues Nationwide Electrical Safety Advisory Amid Rising Heatwave And Increased AC Usage

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, has issued an advisory to electricity consumers and power distribution companies (DISCOMs) to reduce the risk of electrical accidents during the ongoing period of extreme heat. The advisory follows the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of above-normal temperatures due to El Niño conditions, which are expected to increase electricity demand across the country.

According to the CEA, prolonged use of air conditioners, coolers, and other cooling appliances during the summer season can place excessive stress on home electrical wiring and distribution infrastructure. The resulting increase in electrical load may lead to overheating, short circuits, and fire incidents if proper precautions are not taken. The advisory comes after several reported fire accidents and air conditioner explosions in cities including Delhi, Noida, Lucknow, Indore, and Cuttack.

The CEA has directed DISCOMs to regularly inspect and monitor transformers, distribution lines, and other electrical equipment to ensure they operate within safe limits. Utilities have also been advised to replace ageing or overloaded equipment before it reaches critical operating conditions to avoid service disruptions and accidents.

Consumers have been asked to ensure that their electricity usage remains within the sanctioned load provided by their distribution company. They should also verify that their home wiring is capable of safely handling the connected electrical load, particularly when using multiple high-power appliances.

The advisory encourages the efficient use of electricity by avoiding the continuous operation of air conditioners. Consumers are advised to switch off ACs when rooms are unoccupied or once the desired cooling level is achieved. In line with recommendations from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), air conditioners should ideally be set at 24°C to improve energy efficiency while maintaining comfort and reducing stress on electrical systems.