CEA proposes new grid connectivity standards for generators, ESS and bulk consumers
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released the draft Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid) Regulations, 2026, proposing a comprehensive overhaul of the technical standards governing grid connectivity. The draft regulations, published on July 31, 2026, will replace the existing 2007 regulations and expand the framework to cover emerging technologies such as energy storage systems (ESS), inverter-based resources (IBRs), high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems and Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS).
The proposed regulations apply to generating stations, ESS, HVDC systems, FACTS devices and bulk consumers seeking grid connectivity at 33 kV and above. CEA has invited stakeholder comments on the draft until September 2, 2026.
Generating stations
The draft prescribes revised technical requirements for both synchronous and asynchronous generating stations.
Synchronous generating stations will be required to maintain continuous reactive power capability corresponding to a power factor range of 0.85 lagging to 0.95 leading. Generating units with capacities of 100 MW and above must also be capable of receiving active and reactive power control signals from the respective load despatch centres.
For asynchronous generating stations, including solar, wind and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), the regulations prescribe minimum reactive power capability across the full operating range, including periods of zero active power generation.
The draft also introduces detailed Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) and High Voltage Ride Through (HVRT) requirements. During voltage disturbances, inverter-based resources will be required to respond with reactive current within a step response time of not more than 30 milliseconds.
Inverter-based resources will operate in Reactive Current Priority Mode by default during grid disturbances and must restore active power to at least 90% of pre-fault levels within one second after voltage recovery.
Storage and HVDC
The proposed regulations introduce dedicated technical standards for energy storage systems and HVDC installations.
BESS with installed capacity of 50 MW or above will be required to provide black start capability. Variable speed pumped storage plants will have to comply with the applicable provisions governing both synchronous and asynchronous generating stations.
For HVDC systems, CEA has proposed a minimum dynamic reactive power capability of 32.87% of rated capacity. Voltage Source Converter (VSC)-based HVDC systems must provide power reversal capability, while Line Commutated Converter (LCC)-based systems must complete power reversal within 60 minutes.
The draft also mandates power oscillation damping functionality and synthetic inertia capability for HVDC systems to support grid stability under low-inertia operating conditions.
Bulk consumers
The regulations extend technical compliance requirements to inverter-interfaced bulk consumers with connected loads of 50 MW or above.
Such consumers will be required to comply with voltage disturbance ride-through, frequency ride-through and phase-angle change requirements. They must also provide dynamic reactive power capability corresponding to ±0.95 power factor and maintain voltage unbalance at the Point of Interconnection (PoI) below 3%.
Compliance framework
The draft introduces several new technical definitions, including Inverter-based Resource (IBR), Grid Forming (GFM) control, Active Current Priority Mode, Reactive Current Priority Mode and Hybrid Generating Station.
It also lays down detailed provisions for compliance verification, connectivity studies, model validation, First Time Energisation (FTE) and trial run procedures.
In addition, the regulations specify limits for harmonic current distortion with reference to IEEE 519 and IEEE 2800 standards, flicker limits in accordance with IEC 61000-3-7 and direct current injection limits not exceeding 0.5% of rated output.
Connectivity process
CEA has proposed an eight-stage connectivity framework covering application, technical studies, submission of equipment data, model validation, commissioning and trial operation before final grid connectivity is granted.
The appropriate transmission utility or distribution licensee will be responsible for verifying compliance with the technical standards before approving grid connectivity.
The draft also empowers the appropriate load despatch centres to report instances of non-compliance. CEA will have the authority to direct disconnection of users that fail to meet the prescribed standards until the required corrective measures are implemented.
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