CEA Proposes New 2026 Grid Connectivity Technical Standards For Power Sector Entities

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued the Draft Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid) Regulations, 2026, proposing a comprehensive update to India’s technical framework for connecting power sector entities to the electricity grid. The draft was issued on July 31, 2026, under Section 177 of the Electricity Act, 2003. Stakeholders and members of the public can submit comments and objections until September 2, 2026.

The proposed regulations seek to replace the existing 2007 connectivity standards and subsequent amendments. They will apply to entities connecting to the grid at voltage levels of 33 kV and above, covering generating stations, energy storage systems, bulk consumers, distribution licensees, transmission entities, HVDC systems and FACTS devices.

Under the draft framework, applicants and grid users will be responsible for ensuring that their facilities are properly planned, designed, protected and operated without affecting grid security, reliability or power quality. Entities will have to register on the CEA e-GEN portal and submit required technical documents, including single-line diagrams. They will also need to comply with applicable cybersecurity requirements issued by CERT-In, NSCS and NCIIPC.

The draft introduces detailed technical requirements for synchronous and asynchronous generators and Energy Storage Systems. Generating units must maintain required active and reactive power capabilities across specified voltage and frequency ranges. They will also need to meet Low Voltage Ride Through, High Voltage Ride Through, and Multiple Fault Ride Through requirements to remain connected during grid disturbances.

Asynchronous generating units will be required to provide fast reactive current support within 30 milliseconds. The draft also addresses emerging technologies, with standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems of 50 MW and above required to provide Black Start capability. Grid Forming controls are also covered to strengthen rapid frequency and voltage support.

For HVDC and FACTS systems, the proposed standards specify requirements related to reactive power, active power control, power reversal and damping of sub-synchronous torsional interactions. Bulk consumers using inverter-based technologies will also face requirements covering power factor, fault ride-through and power quality.

The draft proposes a voltage unbalance limit of 3% at 33 kV and above, harmonic distortion limits aligned with IEEE 519, repetitive step voltage fluctuations capped at 1.5%, and DC current injection below 0.5%.

The connectivity process will follow stages from Stage A to Stage H, covering application, technical model submissions, connectivity agreements, First Time Energisation and trial operations before the Commercial Operation Date. Compliance will include annual power quality measurements and dynamic model validation every five years. Non-compliance may result in grid disconnection or penalties under Section 146 of the Electricity Act.