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• The Central Electricity Authority has notified amendments to the Installation and Operation of Meters Regulations, 2026.
• The revised norms mandate smart meters in areas with communication networks and permit prepaid meters in non-network regions.
• The amendments also introduce updated provisions for open access consumers and advanced metering infrastructure interoperability requirements.
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has notified amendments to the Installation and Operation of Meters Regulations, 2026, revising provisions related to smart meters, prepaid metering systems and open access electricity consumers across India. Advertisement
According to the notification published in the Gazette of India, the amended regulations replace specific provisions under the Central Electricity Authority (Installation and Operation of Meters) Regulations, 2006. The revised framework mandates that all consumers located in areas covered by communication networks must be supplied electricity through smart meters conforming to relevant Indian Standards within timelines specified by the Central Government.
The notification further states that consumer connections with current-carrying capacities beyond the limits specified under applicable Indian Standards will be required to install meters equipped with automatic remote meter reading functionality or smart meters compliant with the prescribed standards.
For regions where communication network coverage is unavailable, the amended regulations permit State Electricity Regulatory Commissions to allow installation of prepaid meters conforming to relevant Indian Standards. The revised provisions additionally state that all Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems must include prepayment functionality and interoperability features in accordance with guidelines issued by the authority.
The amendments also introduce revised metering provisions for open access electricity consumers. Under the updated regulations, smart meters with an accuracy class of 1.0/0.5S conforming to Indian Standards will function as interface meters for consumers permitted open access at voltage levels not exceeding 650 volts.
Further revisions have been made to Regulation 7 concerning installation arrangements for main meters, check meters and standby meters for consumers directly connected to inter-state transmission systems, intra-state transmission systems or distribution systems. The amended framework specifies meter installation arrangements for consumers permitted open access at voltage levels above and below 650 volts.
The notification stated that draft amendments were previously published for public consultation through newspaper notices and on the CEA website in February 2026. The authority stated that objections and suggestions received from stakeholders and members of the public were considered before finalising the revised regulations.
According to the notification, the amendments have been issued under powers conferred through Section 55 and Section 177 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The revised regulations came into effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
Source: Central Electricity Authority
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