The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued the draft Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid) Regulations, 2026, and has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders and the public. The proposed regulations are intended to replace the existing Connectivity Regulations issued in 2007 and establish a modern technical framework that reflects the changing requirements of India’s power sector. Stakeholders can submit their feedback to the CEA through email until August 17, 2026.
The draft regulations are designed to support the country’s rapidly growing renewable energy sector while ensuring that the electricity grid remains secure, reliable, and resilient. They will apply to all entities connected to the power grid at 33 kV and above. This includes generating companies, captive power plants, battery energy storage systems (BESS), transmission and distribution licensees, bulk electricity consumers, the Central Transmission Utility (CTU), State Transmission Utilities (STUs), and Load Despatch Centres. Both new and existing facilities will have to comply with the proposed technical standards.
One of the major highlights of the draft regulations is the focus on renewable energy and inverter-based technologies. Solar photovoltaic plants, wind farms, hybrid power projects, and battery energy storage systems will be required to provide advanced grid support services. These include the ability to continue operating during voltage and frequency disturbances, provide reactive power support, regulate voltage, and respond quickly to changes in grid conditions. Such capabilities are expected to improve grid stability as renewable energy contributes a larger share of India’s electricity generation.
The draft also introduces provisions for Grid Forming (GFM) technology, which enables inverter-based resources to actively support grid voltage and frequency instead of simply following existing grid conditions. This technology can also help maintain electricity supply during disturbances and support islanded operation when parts of the grid become isolated. In addition, battery energy storage systems with capacities of 50 MW or more will be required to provide black-start capability whenever directed by Load Despatch Centres, allowing the restoration of the power system after major outages.
The proposed regulations also establish detailed technical standards for synchronous and asynchronous generating stations, HVDC transmission systems, Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices, and hybrid renewable energy projects. These systems will be required to meet specific performance standards related to fault ride-through capability, response time, system stability, and dynamic reactive power compensation.
Bulk electricity consumers are also included under the new technical framework. Large consumers using inverter-based equipment will have to maintain specified power factors, provide reactive power support, and comply with voltage and frequency ride-through requirements. They will also be required to respond to instructions from State or Regional Load Despatch Centres for active and reactive power control to help maintain overall grid stability.
The draft regulations outline a structured process for grid connectivity. This includes interconnection studies, submission of technical data, execution of connectivity agreements, approval of protection and communication systems, physical interconnection, trial operation, and commercial commissioning. Every generating unit must also obtain a Unique Registration Number through the CEA’s e-GEN portal before receiving grid connectivity.
Power quality and cybersecurity have also been given significant importance. The draft requires compliance with international standards for harmonic distortion, voltage imbalance, flicker, and DC current injection. It also mandates periodic testing, annual reporting, and integration with SCADA, Energy Management Systems (EMS), and Automatic Generation Control systems. In addition, all users must comply with cybersecurity requirements issued by the Central Government, CERT-In, and other relevant agencies.
To ensure compliance, the CEA has proposed regular testing, protection coordination, fault recording, and continuous monitoring of connected facilities. The Authority will also have the power to investigate non-compliance and may direct transmission utilities to disconnect users from the grid until identified issues are resolved. Through these proposed regulations, the CEA aims to establish a stronger technical foundation for India’s evolving electricity network while supporting the country’s transition towards a cleaner and more reliable power system.
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