The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has initiated Suo-Motu Proceeding No. 36/2026 to introduce the Bihar Electricity Grid Code, 2026, marking a major overhaul of the state’s power grid regulatory framework. The draft regulations were issued through Notice No. 09 on August 7, 2026, from Patna and seek to replace the existing grid code introduced in July 2010.
BERC stated that the proposed revision has become necessary due to significant changes in the electricity sector over the past 16 years. These include developments in grid operations and technology, as well as changes in statutory requirements and updated regulations and guidelines issued by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
The proposed regulations will apply to a wide range of entities connected to or operating within the state electricity grid. These include the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC), Area Load Despatch Centres (ALDCs), transmission and distribution licensees, conventional generating stations, renewable energy developers, and energy storage systems connected at 33 kV and above.
The new framework aims to establish a secure, reliable, efficient and economical electricity system while promoting competition across generation, transmission and supply. It lays down comprehensive operational, technical and commercial requirements for participants in the state power sector.
The draft Grid Code is structured into 11 chapters covering several critical areas of grid management. These include resource planning, connectivity standards, protection systems, commercial operation declaration procedures, scheduling and despatch, reactive power management and cyber security.
A key focus of the proposed framework is the integration of renewable energy and energy storage technologies. The regulations provide updated provisions for large-scale renewable projects, energy storage systems and hybrid power plants. These facilities will operate under defined coordination mechanisms involving Qualified Coordinating Agencies (QCAs), supporting better scheduling, forecasting and grid management.
The draft also proposes a formal institutional mechanism for continuously monitoring and reviewing the Grid Code. A Grid Code Review Panel (GCRP), chaired by the Director (Operation) of the State Transmission Utility, will serve as the apex body. It will be supported by the Operation Coordination Committee (OCC), responsible for grid operations and outage planning, and the Protection Coordination Committee (PCC), which will oversee protection systems, cyber security and metering standards.
BERC has invited stakeholders, industry participants and members of the public to submit comments, suggestions and objections on the draft regulations. Written submissions must reach the Secretary of BERC at Vidyut Bhawan-II, Nehru Path, Patna, by September 4, 2026.
The Commission has also scheduled a public hearing on September 10, 2026, at 11:30 AM at its courtroom in Patna. Following consideration of stakeholder feedback and the hearing, BERC is expected to proceed towards final notification of the Bihar Electricity Grid Code, 2026.
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