The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has notified the draft CEA (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2025.
The amendment introduces a new Chapter X-A that outlines additional safety requirements for battery energy storage systems (BESS). It includes technical and operational standards covering system design, installation, ventilation, hazard detection, fire suppression, security, and emergency protocols. Key provisions include mandatory use of battery management systems and power conversion systems. It also includes specifications for container safety and spacing, installation of hazard detection and suppression systems and guidelines for electrolyte spill management. The regulations also require independent third-party fire safety audits of BESS, submission of audit reports to the electrical inspector.