The Central Electricity Authority had issued a draft of the amendment regulations in 2025 and invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders within the prescribed period. The draft was made available to the public on June 20, 2025 through its official website and newspapers. After considering the feedback received, the Authority has finalized amendments to introduce safety provisions for battery energy storage systems.

1. Insertion of Definitions in Regulation 2
   The following clauses are inserted:
   • “battery energy storage systems” means a stationary system connected to the electricity system which is used to store electric energy by means of electrochemical materials, typically includes batteries, power conversion system, and battery management system;
   • “battery management system” means a system which controls the batteries in order to obtain safe operation, it also balances the energy of batteries and monitors the status thereof.”
   • “power conversion system” in a battery energy storage systems refers to the integrated system of inverters, rectifiers, controllers and associated power electronics system that convert Direct Current power stored in the battery to Alternating Current power… and vice versa.
   • “walk in units or system” means a pre-fabricated building that contains battery energy storage systems with access for maintenance and testing.
2. Insertion of Chapter XA (After Regulation 122)
   “Additional safety requirements for Battery Energy Storage System” inserted covering:
   • Design requirements including two-fault tolerance and testing standards
   • Fire and explosion protection at all system levels
   • Monitoring by battery management systems with automatic alarms and shutdown
   • Requirements for cooling systems, ventilation, and containment
   • Mandatory hazard detection and fire suppression systems
   • Emergency lighting, signage, and security systems
   • Emergency shutdown mechanisms and earthing requirements
3. Regulation 122(M) – Additional Compliance Requirements
   • Mandatory third-party fire safety audit within three months from commencement
   • Submission of audit report to Electrical Inspector
   • Training requirements for fire safety officials
4. Applicability Clarification
   • Regulations 122(A) to 122(M) apply to installations exceeding 650 V
   • Installations at 650 V and below must comply with relevant standards
5. Insertion of Regulation 137
   “The Authority… shall issue a list of relevant standards… within three months from the date of commencement of these regulations.”