CEA releases draft amendment to metering regulations

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued the draft CEA (Installation and Operation of Meters) (5th Amendment) Regulations, 2025, proposing key changes to metering rules for electricity consumers, generators, and licensees. Public comments on the draft will be accepted until April 5, 2025.

One of the major revisions includes updating the definition of interface meters, which will now apply to meters used for accounting and billing at interconnection points between generating companies, licensees, and consumers. These meters must be installed at points connected to the inter-state transmission system, intra-state transmission system, or distribution system where open access is permitted at voltage levels exceeding 650 volts.

For open access consumers connected at voltage levels not exceeding 650 volts, the regulations mandate the use of smart meters as per relevant Indian Standards (IS). However, such consumers, including prosumers (who generate and consume electricity), will not be required to use prepayment mode.

The draft also ensures that Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems comply with the CEA’s guidelines for standardisation and interoperability, ensuring seamless communication between smart meters, Head End Systems (HES), and Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS).

For open access consumers connected at voltage levels exceeding 650 volts, metering requirements will be determined by the Appropriate Commission rather than a fixed standard.

Stakeholders can submit their feedback to the Chief Engineer (Legal), CEA via post or email before the deadline.