The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) on September 25, 2026, issued the Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria, 2026.
CEA has revised the Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria, 2026, to incorporate technological advancements and updated requirements relating to 1150 kV high-voltage AC transmission systems, conductor parameters, VSC-based HVDC systems, wind and solar farms, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), renewable energy models and STATCOM. The revised criteria provide guidelines for transmission planning, system modelling, reliability, security and power system studies covering Inter-State and Intra-State Transmission Systems, including dedicated transmission lines up to 66 kV.
The revised planning criteria are effective from October 15, 2026, and shall apply to all new transmission systems planned thereafter. Existing and already planned transmission systems may also be reviewed against the revised criteria, with additional strengthening measures planned wherever required and feasible.
