The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued guidelines for model quality assurance plan (MQAPs) covering major equipment used across the power sector aimed at standardising quality control practices and strengthening inspection and testing frameworks across generation, transmission and distribution projects.
As per the guidelines, all utilities, purchasers, developers and suppliers in the power sector are required to prepare and follow the prescribed MQAPs. The model plan covers equipment for substations, switchyards and transmission lines; major equipment in hydropower plants; major equipment in thermal power plants; and equipment used in the distribution system.
The guidelines specify that test certificates for bought-out items will be acceptable subject to purchaser review and any changes in testing practices or acceptance norms under national or international standards must be incorporated by manufacturers and approved by the purchaser or utility. The MQAPs define the maximum number of critical hold points and the upper limits on sampling size that may be specified, while allowing purchasers and suppliers to mutually agree on fewer tests where required to save time. The guidelines also state that no material is to be dispatched from the manufacturer’s works without acceptance following pre-dispatch inspection, unless explicitly waived by the purchaser.