The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, has issued a directive to all power sector utilities across the generation, transmission, and distribution segments to focus on improving the quality of power sector equipment and installations. This follows a high-level meeting held on July 15, 2025, chaired by the Advisor to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, which discussed the Quality Infrastructure Projects and the need to strengthen quality assurance across the sector. During the meeting, the Secretary (Power) emphasized the importance of enhancing Quality Assurance, Monitoring, Assessment, and Enforcement mechanisms, along with the adoption of modern technologies, including drone-based monitoring, to ensure reliable and safe operation of the power infrastructure.
As per Section 73 of the Electricity Act, 2003, the CEA is authorized to frame regulations for technical standards concerning the construction, operation, and maintenance of electrical plants and lines, as well as grid standards and safety requirements. These regulations make it mandatory that all power sector equipment and installations adhere to national or international standards. Additionally, Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, empowers the Central Government to make the use of Standard Marks mandatory on goods, processes, and systems in the public interest. This legal provision enables the enforcement of strict quality norms for critical equipment used in the power sector.
To ensure compliance with these standards, the Ministry of Power has established a Standardization Cell within the Central Electricity Authority. This cell is tasked with facilitating the adoption of Indian Standards, identifying new technologies, and strengthening frameworks for quality compliance and monitoring. Quality Control Orders issued by the concerned ministries are also in place to ensure that manufacturers and utilities comply with the prescribed standards.
In this context, the CEA has asked all power sector utilities to provide detailed inputs regarding the quality-related challenges they face in equipment or installations, such as transformers, switchgear, or conductors. They are also requested to share details of steps taken to improve quality, including enforcement and monitoring measures. Furthermore, the utilities are expected to submit their suggestions for strengthening quality infrastructure and promoting the adoption of emerging technologies that enhance reliability and safety. The requested information is to be furnished within fifteen days of the notice. This communication has been issued with the approval of the competent authority of the Central Electricity Authority.
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