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CEIG Approval: An Overview
Net metering is a mechanism which allows private entities to sell excess (unconsumed) power generated by an electrical installation to DISCOM. This allows domestic or commercial users who generate their own electricity and export their surplus energy back to the main grid. For example, if someone generates 20 units from a solar power unit and consumes only 18 units, the balance of 2 units is sold to the DSICOM at a fixed tariff.
Therefore for net and gross metering, approval from DISCOM is needed for grid connectivity. Whereas CEIG approval (Chief electrical inspector to the government of state) will be required for any such electrical installation where the capacity is more than 10 KW, and this capacity can vary from state to state.
Generally, installations like captive power plants, solar power plants, transformers, EHV overhead lines, HT Motors, reactors, and wind power plants are required to apply to the concerned jurisdictional office of the Electrical Inspectorate to obtain CEIG Approval. This must be done after obtaining the required power sanction approval from the concerned DISCOM and before the commencement of electrical installation works after approval of the installation diagram.
Thereafter an inspection is carried out under Regulation-30 (Periodical inspection and testing), and under Regulation-43 (Approval by Electrical Inspector for the installation) before commencement of supply and in case of recommencement of power after shutdown for more than six months. This inspection is performed under the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to safety and electric supply) Regulation-2010. The completed electrical installation work must undergo inspection by concerned officers of the Electrical Inspectorate department.
Process of Inspection
An inspection for CEIG Approval is divided into two parts, the first is the initial inspection, and the other is the periodic inspection by the department. The applications for loads greater than 33 KV are sent to Chief Electrical Inspector Office, while in the rest of the cases, the application is sent to Electrical Inspector Office. The cases in which Certification of Electrical Installations by Chief Electrical Inspector is required are as follows.
- Application for Solar Power plant if electricity generation is above 100 KW
- Captive Power Plant (CPP) for all purposes (or in case the plant is for construction purposes with a capacity of more than 500 KVA)
- Transformers
- EHV Overhead Line
- HT Motors
- Reactors
- Wind Power Plant
Role of Chief Electrical Inspectorate Division
- Conduct statutory inspections of electrical installations under the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2010.
- To frame guidelines and amendment of suitable measures relating to safety and electric supply regulations under section 53 of the Electricity Act 2003.
- Conduct inquiries into cases related to electrical accidents.
- Processing of VIP References and Parliament Questions.
- To disseminate information under the RTI Act 2005.
- Collect statistics and return & information relating to electrical accidents in Form-19 & 20 under furnishing of Statistics, Returns & information regulations, 2007.
Application Process for CEIG Approval
Statutory approval of drawings from the Electrical Inspectorate of the respective state requires the applicant to first submit the drawings of the electrical installation to the office of the Chief Electrical Inspector. This is a pre-establishment process that takes about seven days. After the approval of the drawing, the project proponent can start with the electrical installation.
On completion of the electrical installation work in all respects and testing of the installations, the electrical contractor will issue a 'Completion and Test Report' in a prescribed form. The owner of the installation, through the completion report, will submit an undertaking that the installation is ready for inspection to the Electrical Inspector. The following table shows the CEIG approval process after submitting the completion report.
| Application and Document Submission | Inspection | Issue of Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Submission of application along with the documents is made to the office of the CEIG. The Junior AEI scrutinizes the application and, if found complete in all respects, will forward it to the AEI. Otherwise, he will send a query to the applicant to make relevant changes. | During the site inspection, if the inspecting officers are convinced that the said electrical installation is in general conformity with Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to safety and electric supply) Regulations 2010, necessary safety approval will be issued. | Further, on verification of the compliance report, the inspecting officer himself or through the concerned officer, as per DOP, will issue the safety certificate. In case of any issue or defect, he may give a defect notice. |
Documents Needed Along with the Application for CEIG Approval
- Completion and Test Report issued by a licensed Electrical Contractor
- NOC from Fire Department/Test Certificate of the Fire Extinguishers
- Copies of statutory clearances/approval from Authorities (e.g., Railways, Defence, State/Central Government)
- Single line diagram of the installation showing size, rating, and protection details
- Details of earthing provided for the proposed installation
- Copy of Licensed Electrical Contractor and Supervisor permit
- Scanned copy/challan of inspection fee paid
- Undertaking for the safe operation of the installation
NoteIf the applicant has applied for Solar Power/ Diesel Generator/ Wind Power and Other Renewable Sources for energisation under Regulation 32 of CEA 2010, the following documents will also be needed:
- Copy of generator purchase bill/invoice
- Test certificate of the engine, generator, and canopy in original
- List of detailed load list equipment-wise/Inverter details
- Work Completion Report
- Copy of Contractor Licence
- Copy of Supervisor Certificate
- Photo of clearly visible D.G. Set/Solar Equipment/Wind Mill/Other energy sources from 20 Feet Distance
- Photo of clearly visible specifications of nameplate of D.G. set/Wind Mill/Inverter/Other energy sources
Details to be Incorporated in the Electrical Drawings
Single line diagram of the electrical system showing the existing, proposed, and future installation details together with protective devices, measuring instruments, cable sizes along with their capacity and ratings. The inspecting authority will examine the drawing approval application form and check if the applicant has provided all the supporting documents (as mentioned above).
The applicant has to address the identified shortcomings in the application within the period specified. The applicant should subsequently submit a revised application form/drawings and/or missing/erroneous documents by resubmitting the application.
How will MLC Assist You?
One-Stop Solution for all CEIG Approval Formalities
Our seasoned team of experts in licensing and providing end-to-end assistance in all legalities needed for CEIG approval for all kinds of electrical installation.
Expert Solutions by Industry Experts
MLC has a pan-India network of experts with more than ten years of experience in industrial compliance and related legalities. We provide CEIG approval certificates quickly and in a hassle-free manner, that too, at affordable prices.
Excellent Client Support
Our dedicated customer executives will assist you with any queries related to your application and business setup. We ensure that your experience throughout the process is seamless by addressing each of your business concerns.
FAQ
What is CEIG approval?
CEIG approval is the safety approval from the Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government of the state. It confirms that an electrical installation conforms to the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2010.
Which installations need CEIG approval?
Generally, installations above 10 kW need it, though the threshold varies by state. Captive power plants, solar power plants, transformers, EHV overhead lines, HT motors, reactors and wind power plants typically have to apply to the Electrical Inspectorate.
When should I apply for CEIG approval?
Apply after getting the power sanction from your DISCOM and before starting the electrical installation work. The installation drawings are approved first, and the completed installation is inspected before supply begins.
How long does drawing approval take?
Approval of the electrical drawings is a pre-establishment step that takes about seven days. Installation work can start once the drawings are approved.
What documents are needed for CEIG approval?
Key documents include the Completion and Test Report from a licensed electrical contractor, a single line diagram with ratings and protection details, earthing details, contractor and supervisor licences, a fire NOC or extinguisher test certificate, the inspection fee challan, and an undertaking for safe operation.
What happens during the CEIG inspection?
Inspecting officers visit the site to check the installation against the CEA Regulations, 2010. If it conforms, a safety certificate is issued; if they find defects, a defect notice is given for the applicant to correct.
When should CEIG approval be applied for?
After obtaining the power sanction from the concerned DISCOM and before starting the electrical installation work. The installation drawings are approved first — a pre-establishment step that takes about seven days — and the completed installation is then inspected.
Under which regulations is the inspection carried out?
Inspections are carried out under Regulation 30 (periodical inspection and testing) and Regulation 43 (approval by the Electrical Inspector before supply starts, or before supply resumes after a shutdown of more than six months) of the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2010.
Electrical Inspectorate approval support for proposed or existing electrical installations.
Our Process
- 1Prepare electrical single-line diagrams
- 2Submit application to CEIG office with required documents
- 3CEIG inspector conducts physical inspection
- 4Address any deficiencies identified
- 5Receive Provisional / Final Approval certificate
- 6Schedule periodic re-inspections
Documents Required
- Electrical layout and single-line diagram
- Test certificates from electrical contractor
- Details of HT/LT equipment installed
- Competency certificate of electrical supervisor
- Building/plant layout plan