Background
With the rapid expansion of industrial and commercial electrical installations in India, ensuring electrical safety has become paramount. Recognizing the need to regulate safety measures and the management of electrical systems, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) introduced regulations under the “CEA (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023”
Purpose of the Regulation
The primary aim of the 2023 CEA Safety Regulations is to:
Appointment of Electrical Officer as per Regulation 5 of CEA Safety Regulations, 2023
Designation of Electrical Safety Officer by Electricity Suppliers
All suppliers of electricity, including generating companies, transmission companies, distribution companies shall designate an Electrical Safety Officer (ESO) to ensure adherence to the safety measures laid down in these regulations in their organisation for construction, operation and maintenance of electrical system of all generating stations, transmission lines, substations, distribution systems and supply lines.
Qualification & Experience Criteria for Electrical Safety Officers
The regulations specify the minimum educational and experience requirements for an individual to be designated as an Electrical Safety Officer:
This provision ensures that only adequately trained and experienced professionals are responsible for overseeing critical electrical safety operations.
Additional Criteria for Electrical Safety Officers in Mines
For mines and oil-field operations, which involve higher safety risks, the criteria are more stringent. In such cases:
‘
This industry-specific clause ensures that the appointed officer is not only technically qualified but also experienced in the unique electrical hazards present in mining environments.
Applicability for High-Load Installations and Factories
The regulation also mandates the appointment of an Electrical Safety Officer in the following cases:
In such scenarios, the owner or management of the installation must appoint an Electrical Safety Officer who meets the qualifications and experience defined under regulations. This ensures compliance with all safety provisions laid down under the Electricity Act, 2003 and the associated CEA regulations.
Additional Duties of Electrical Safety Officer
The Electrical Safety Officer shall carryout recommended periodic tests as per the relevant standards, and inspect such installations at intervals not exceeding one year, and keep a record thereof in Form I or Form II or Form III or Form IV, as the case may be, of Schedule II of these regulations; test reports and a register of recommendations in regard with safety duly acknowledged by owner; compliances made thereafter; and such records shall be made available to the Electrical Inspector, as and when required.
Penalties & Punishments
As per Section 146 of the Electricity Act, 2003
Any person who fails to comply with an order or direction issued under this Act, or who contravenes, attempts to contravene, or abets the contravention of any provision, rule, or regulation made thereunder, shall be liable to punishment. Such punishment may include:
Furthermore, in the event of continued non-compliance following an initial conviction, an additional fine of up to five thousand rupees per day shall be imposed for each day the violation continues.
Conclusion
The CEA Safety Regulations, 2023 are a significant step towards ensuring electrical safety and operational integrity in high-risk and high-voltage environments. By mandating the appointment of qualified Electrical Safety Officers, the government ensures accountability, preparedness, and technical oversight in managing electrical hazards.
Businesses and establishments falling within the defined scope must prioritize compliance and appoint Electrical Safety Officers as per the prescribed norms to avoid penalties, enhance safety, and meet statutory obligations.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this Article is intended solely for personal non-commercial use of the user who accepts full responsibility of its use. The information in the article is general in nature and should not be considered to be legal, tax, accounting, consulting or any other professional advice. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied regarding the accuracy, adequacy, reliability or completeness of any information on our page/article.