**Policy Summary: Electrical Safety Legislation in India**
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to a parliamentary question regarding electrical safety legislation. The Ministry of Power addressed concerns about electrical fires and the potential adoption of best practices from South Korea and Queensland, Australia.
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has been tasked with examining international electrical safety legislation and suggesting amendments to existing regulations, balancing safety with the principles of Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business.
The government relies on the Electricity Act, 2003, specifically Section 53a and Section 1772b, as the foundation for electrical safety regulations. The Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2010, were initially notified and subsequently amended. These regulations were replaced by the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023, on June 8, 2023, following consultations with State Governments and stakeholders. The CEA engages with State Governments through regular meetings, conferences, and seminars to discuss and promote these regulations. Advisories are also issued to State Governments to further enhance electrical safety.
Key Entities Referenced
Parshottambhai Rupala: Member of Parliament who raised the question regarding legislation on electrical safety.
Ministry of Power: The Indian government ministry responsible for electrical safety and related legislation.
South Korea: Country whose electrical safety legislations were suggested for study.
Queensland, Australia: Australian state whose electrical safety legislations were suggested for study.
Shripad Naik: Minister of State in the Ministry of Power.
Central Electricity Authority (CEA): The authority responsible for examining suggestions and global best practices related to electrical safety, and for amending relevant regulations.
Electricity Act, 2003: The Act of Parliament that empowers the CEA to notify regulations related to safety and electric supply.
Central Electricity Authority Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply Regulations, 2023: Regulations notified by CEA to ensure electrical safety and protect human lives, replacing the 2010 regulations.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF POWER
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4780
ANSWERED ON 21.08.2025
LEGISLATION ON ELECTRICAL SAFETY
4780. SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA:
Will the Minister of POWER
be pleased to state:
(a) the action taken by the Government on the suggestion/representation
submitted to study the legislations of South Korea and Queensland (Australia)
related to electrical safety;
(b) the details of the elements identified from those legislations for adoption
in India to improve safety keeping in view that large number of fires are caused
by electrical short circuits;
(c) the details of the engagements including advisory of the Union
Government with State Governments to promote electrical safety during the last
five years; and
(d) whether the Government plans to enact legislation for electrical safety
and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
A N S W E R
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER
(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)
(a) & (b) : Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has been advised to examine the
suggestions received and global best practices, and, if necessary, amend the
relevant Regulations in consultation with stakeholders, while fully safeguarding
the principles of Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business, as emphasised by
the Government of India.
(c) & (d) : In accordance with the provisions of Section 53(a) and Section
177(2)(b) of the Electricity Act, 2003, CEA notified the Central Electricity
Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric supply) Regulations, 2010,
as amended from time to time , to ensure electrical safety and protect human
lives. CEA, after consultations with State Governments and other stakeholders,
on 8th June 2023 replaced these regulations by the Central Electricity Authority
(Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023.
The provisions of these Regulations are discussed with State
Governments on regular basis through meetings, conferences, and seminars.
Advisories are also issued to State Governments with the objective of enhancing
electrical safety.
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