The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has notified the draft CEA (Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid) Regulations, 2026, replacing the existing 2007 regulations with a technology-neutral framework designed for a modern, renewable-rich power system. The draft significantly broadens the scope of the regulations by bringing synchronous and asynchronous generating stations, hybrid power plants, battery energy storage systems (BESS), pumped storage plants, high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) devices and bulk consumers connected at 33 kV and above under a common set of technical standards.
The draft introduces technical requirements for technologies such as inverter-based resource plants and grid-forming converters. It also strengthens grid stability requirements by mandating low- and high-voltage ride-through capabilities, reactive power support and primary frequency response. Further, generating stations will be required to operate within a frequency range of 47.5 Hz to 52 Hz. Generating stations with a capacity of 100 MW and above must be capable of receiving remote dispatch instructions from load dispatch centres for active and reactive power control. In addition, hydro generating units of 50 MW and above must support synchronous condenser mode for voltage regulation. The draft also introduces dedicated provisions for BESS, requiring projects of 50 MW and above to provide black start support. It further lays down technical standards for HVDC systems and FACTS devices, while mandating cybersecurity compliance, real-time telemetry and communication systems.