CEA flags widespread non-compliance with mandatory transformer standards
Author: PPD Team Date: February 2, 2026
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has flagged continued non-compliance by power utilities with mandatory transformer and reactor rating standards, warning that deviations are causing procurement delays, higher costs, and reduced competition.
In a letter dated 24 January 2026, the CEA directed utilities and generation companies to strictly adhere to its standard specifications for transformers and reactors rated 66 kV and above. These specifications were issued in April 2021 and became legally binding under the Central Electricity Authority Technical Standards Regulations notified in December 2022.
The authority noted that several utilities continue to specify non-standard transformer ratings in tenders, despite the standards being mandatory. According to the CEA, this practice forces manufacturers to undertake fresh design and testing for unique ratings, leading to longer delivery timelines, increased costs, and lower bidder participation.
The CEA said standardisation is intended to streamline procurement, reduce execution timelines, and ensure consistent quality by embedding proven design practices. Uniform technical parameters are also meant to create a level playing field for manufacturers.
The directive was issued with the approval of the competent authority and circulated to more than 60 state transmission utilities, generation companies, and central public sector undertakings. Recipients include major entities such as NTPC Ltd, Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd, Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd, and Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited.
Annexures to the communication list the prescribed standard ratings. These include 17 standard ratings for power and auto transformers, ranging from 12.5 MVA to 500 MVA across voltage classes, and five standard ratings for generator transformers used in thermal power plants, ranging from 200 MVA to 315 MVA.
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