The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has notified the draft CEA (Installation and Operation of Meters) Amendment Regulations, 2026, to amend the CEA (Installation and Operation of Meters) Regulations, 2006.
The draft proposes that all consumers in areas with communication network shall be supplied electricity through smart meters conforming to the relevant Indian standard (IS), within timelines specified by the central government. For consumer connections with current carrying capacity beyond the level specified in the relevant IS, the draft allows meters with automatic remote meter reading facility or smart meters as per the relevant IS. In areas not covered with communication network, installation of prepayment meters conforming to the relevant IS will be allowed, subject to approval by the respective state electricity regulatory commission. The draft also provides that all advanced metering infrastructure must include prepayment functionality and be interoperable in accordance with CEA guidelines. It further specifies that for consumers permitted open access at voltage level not exceeding 650 V, a smart meter conforming to the relevant IS with accuracy class 1.0 or 0.5S shall act as the interface meter. In addition, the draft revises regulation 7 metering arrangements by introducing separate provisions for open access consumers exceeding 650 V and those not exceeding 650 V, including requirements for main and check meters at consumer premises and placement on separate instrument transformers or at a licensee substation as mutually agreed.