Central Electricity Authority

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is the Union’s statutory technical and planning body for the electricity sector. Under the Electricity Act, 2003, it supports coordinated development of generation, transmission and distribution through planning, standards, data and expert advice.

Statutory basis and overall purpose

The Authority is constituted under Section 70, while its principal functions are prescribed by Section 73. It advises the Central Government, prepares short-term and perspective plans, and coordinates planning agencies to secure optimal use of resources and reliable, affordable electricity.

Planning and technical standard-setting

• Under Section 3, the CEA prepares the National Electricity Plan in accordance with the National Electricity Policy and notifies it once every five years, after publishing a draft and considering public responses.
• It specifies standards for construction of electrical plants and lines, grid connectivity, grid operation, safety and meter installation.
• It may frame regulations under Section 177 to carry out its statutory functions.
• Under Section 8, specified hydroelectric schemes exceeding the cost threshold fixed by the Central Government require the CEA’s concurrence.

Sector monitoring, advice and development

The CEA monitors the electricity system and provides technical support across the sector.

• It collects, records and publishes information on electricity generation, transmission, trading, distribution, utilisation, costs, efficiency and competitiveness.
• Under Section 74, licensees, generating companies and certain other generators must furnish statistics, returns and information required by the CEA.
• It advises governments, licensees and generating companies, promotes research and skills, conducts investigations, and assists timely completion and augmentation of electricity projects.