Background
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), constituted under the Electricity Act, 2003, is responsible for prescribing technical and safety standards for electrical systems in India.
With the increasing deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for grid stability and renewable integration, the CEA (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Amendment Regulations 2026 introduce specific provisions to address associated risks such as fire, thermal runaway, and electrical faults. These regulations lay down minimum safety, monitoring, and operational requirements to ensure safe and reliable functioning of Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Applicability
These provisions apply to BESS including their design, installation, operation, and maintenance. They cover systems using Lithium-Ion, Nickel Cadmium, and Lead Acid chemistries. Applicable to both new and existing installations connected to electrical networks, including systems operating at 650 V and below. All entities handling BESS infrastructure are required to comply.
Compliance Requirement under the Regulations in Accordance with the Act
Power conversion system for charging/discharging BESS must be designed to match battery’s chemistry. BESS to have two-fault tolerance against failures, its testing as per standards & include fire/explosion protection at levels of cell,module,rack, container, site-specific installation as per standards.
Battery management systems must monitor and record voltage, temperature, thermal runaway (cell/module/rack) and current (rack), with audio-visual alarms for deviations and automatic shutdown if temperature exceeds OEM limits. Power conversion systems must operate automatically, sync/disconnect from the grid, and include self-protection and diagnostic features to protect itself from damage in the event of component failure and abnormal operating parameters. Coolant lines must be secured to prevent leaks on live electrical parts, and cooling system failures incl. faults in cooling lines must not cause short circuits of cells inside battery pack or lead to hazardous condition. 122A: – Regulations under Chapter XA shall be applicable to BESS which shall be in addition to the regulations provided from Chapter I to VII and XIV.
The battery energy storage systems container shall have explosion protection, with a forced ventilation system and automated louvers for safe release of the flammable gases and maintain internal pressure within safe limits.
Ingress protection shall be provided as per the relevant standards; b) Walk in units or system, if applicable, including entrances and exit, of battery energy storage systems shall be as per the relevant standard.
A minimum space separation shall be provided for adjacent battery energy storage systems enclosures as well as nearest building, for various battery chemistries such as Lithium-Ion, Nickel cadmium and Lead Acid batteries as per relevant standard.
Heating, Ventilation and air conditioning and cooling systems for battery energy storage systems shall be installed for proper thermal management as per relevant standards.
A suitable mechanism shall be provided to limit the concentration of flammable materials inside the enclosure of battery energy storage systems, in compliance to relevant Standard. Provided that in the event of the mechanical ventilation system failure, the system shall initiate a shutdown to maintain the concentration of flammable materials in the battery container within safe limits.
Battery energy storage systems shall have hazard detection systems for smoke, gas, heat and flame as per relevant standard and the same shall be monitored.
Every battery container shall be provided with automatic fire suppression system as per relevant standard The components of the installed fire suppression system shall be protected from ambient conditions and unauthorised access while ensuring ease of accessibility for inspection and maintenance.
In case of batteries having acidic or basic aqueous electrolytes in liquid form, the electrolyte spills shall be contained as per relevant standards.
A separate emergency source of lighting with automatic initiation shall be provided in enclosed working spaces as per relevant standard.
Location and specification of lighting and signage, as per relevant standard, shall support safe access and navigation to the site.
Battery energy storage systems installations shall be protected by fencing not less than 1.8 m in height so as to prevent unauthorised entry.
The installation of closed-circuit television, motion or break glass sensors, and alarm sets connected to a monitoring and response system shall be provided at appropriate locations.
In case a safety issue or battery anomaly is detected, the affected section of battery energy storage systems shall automatically shut down within pre-set period as per original equipment manufacturer’s specifications.
Manual emergency stop buttons or switches or mechanisms shall be placed at easily accessible and visible locations.
Battery energy storage systems equipment earthing shall be as per the relevant standard.
An independent third-party fire safety audit of the battery energy storage systems shall be conducted, as provided in the Standard Operating Procedure to be issued by the Authority, within a period of three months from the date of commencement of CEA (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Amendment Regulations, 2026 viz June 30, 2027
Battery energy storage systems owner shall submit the above fire safety audit report to the Electrical Inspector at the time of inspection
The battery energy storage systems installations connected at 650 V and below shall be in compliant to the relevant standards.
Penalty and Punishment
Section 146 of Electricity Act, 2003 – Punishment for non-compliance of directions by Appropriate Commission
Whoever fails to comply with any order or direction under this Act or contravenes (or attempts/abets the contravention of) its provisions, rules, or regulations, faces punishment for each offense, which may include imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to one lakh rupees, or both. Additionally, for failure that continues after an initial conviction, an extra fine of up to five thousand rupees will be levied for every day the non-compliance persists.
For more info on Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023 refer: https://1-comply.com/key-compliance-under-central-electricity-authority-measures-relating-to-safety-and-electric-supply-regulations-2023-2/
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