Govt Notifies Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2026:
The government notified the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2026, amending Rule 3 of the Electricity Rules, 2005, related to Captive Generating Plants (CGPs).
- CGPs are power plants set up by industries or entities to generate electricity primarily for their own consumption, instead of relying fully on the public power grid.
- The amendments aim to clarify captive generation provisions while preserving statutory ownership and consumption safeguards, removing ambiguities, improving ease of doing business, and aligning captive power with India’s energy transition and industrial growth objectives.
- Captive power generation, supported under the Electricity Act, 2003 and recognised in the National Electricity Policy, 2005, has been crucial for providing industries with reliable and cost-effective electricity.
- It has enabled industries to overcome power supply constraints and manage fluctuations in electricity costs, thereby supporting industrial growth.
- With industries shifting toward non-fossil fuel energy, a clear and predictable regulatory framework for captive power is essential to boost competitiveness and sustain long-term economic growth.
- The definition of ownership has been clarified to include subsidiaries, holding companies and other subsidiaries of the holding company of the entity that establishes the captive generating plant.
- With effect from 1st April 2026, States/UTs will designate a nodal agency, while National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) will handle inter-state verification.
- Captive status will now be verified annually for the entire financial year to ensure clarity and uniform implementation.
