Centre Strengthens Cybersecurity Framework Across India’s Power Sector
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Centre Strengthens Cybersecurity Framework Across India’s Power Sector

The POWERGRID Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Cybersecurity has been established at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru to advance research and development in cybersecurity for power grid operations and transmission systems. The initiative is part of India’s broader effort to build a resilient and secure power ecosystem.

To strengthen cyber readiness across the sector, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) issued the Cyber Security in Power Sector Guidelines, 2021, creating a comprehensive cyber assurance framework and governance structure for all power entities. Further, the draft CEA (Cyber Security in Power Sector) Regulations, 2025 are in the final stages of preparation and will provide a more detailed security framework once notified.

The Ministry of Power established the Computer Security Incident Response Team – Power (CSIRT-Power) on 5 April 2023 at CEA as an extended arm of CERT-In. CSIRT-Power supports utilities in detecting, responding to and managing cyber incidents, and in strengthening overall preparedness. The Ministry has also created six sub-sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) covering Thermal, Hydro, Transmission, Grid Operation, Renewable Energy and Distribution. Each CERT is developing a dedicated Cyber Crisis Management Plan (C-CMP) for coordinated mitigation during cyber-attacks.

In Gujarat, the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO) has implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, including strict access controls, enhanced endpoint protection, encrypted communications, next-generation firewalls between Remote Control Centres and the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC), and upgraded antivirus systems to prevent malware.

Importantly, over the past five years, no cybersecurity breaches or successful attacks have been reported in the operational systems of the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC).

Periodic cybersecurity audits are conducted across the power sector under the 2021 CEA Guidelines, carried out by CERT-In–empanelled third-party auditors. At the NLDC, nine assessments of IT infrastructure and five assessments of Operational Technology (OT) systems have been completed in the past five years, including SCADA and related systems. Similar audits are routinely conducted across all SLDCs, covering IT, OT and critical systems such as SCADA and the Unified Real-Time Dynamic State Measurement (URTDSM) platform.

These initiatives collectively strengthen India’s power sector resilience, ensure secure operations and reinforce national preparedness against evolving cyber threats.

The POWERGRID Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Cybersecurity has been established at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru to advance research and development in cybersecurity for power grid operations and transmission systems. The initiative is part of India’s broader effort to build a resilient and secure power ecosystem. To strengthen cyber readiness across the sector, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) issued the Cyber Security in Power Sector Guidelines, 2021, creating a comprehensive cyber assurance framework and governance structure for all power entities. Further, the draft CEA (Cyber Security in Power Sector) Regulations, 2025 are in the final stages of preparation and will provide a more detailed security framework once notified. The Ministry of Power established the Computer Security Incident Response Team – Power (CSIRT-Power) on 5 April 2023 at CEA as an extended arm of CERT-In. CSIRT-Power supports utilities in detecting, responding to and managing cyber incidents, and in strengthening overall preparedness. The Ministry has also created six sub-sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) covering Thermal, Hydro, Transmission, Grid Operation, Renewable Energy and Distribution. Each CERT is developing a dedicated Cyber Crisis Management Plan (C-CMP) for coordinated mitigation during cyber-attacks. In Gujarat, the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO) has implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, including strict access controls, enhanced endpoint protection, encrypted communications, next-generation firewalls between Remote Control Centres and the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC), and upgraded antivirus systems to prevent malware. Importantly, over the past five years, no cybersecurity breaches or successful attacks have been reported in the operational systems of the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC). Periodic cybersecurity audits are conducted across the power sector under the 2021 CEA Guidelines, carried out by CERT-In–empanelled third-party auditors. At the NLDC, nine assessments of IT infrastructure and five assessments of Operational Technology (OT) systems have been completed in the past five years, including SCADA and related systems. Similar audits are routinely conducted across all SLDCs, covering IT, OT and critical systems such as SCADA and the Unified Real-Time Dynamic State Measurement (URTDSM) platform. These initiatives collectively strengthen India’s power sector resilience, ensure secure operations and reinforce national preparedness against evolving cyber threats.

Next Story
Real Estate

CREDAI-MCHI to Host 10th Design & Construction Conference

CREDAI-MCHI will host the 10th anniversary edition of its Design & Construction Conference on August 19, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.The event is expected to bring together more than 500 procurement leaders, construction heads, architects, consultants and senior real estate decision-makers, alongside over 50 construction and ancillary brands.The conference will feature product launches, technology showcases, knowledge sessions, strategic business-to-business networking and recognition of procurement professionals contributing to the transformation of the construction..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

BorgWarner Wins Extension for High-Voltage Inverter Programmes

BorgWarner has secured a major extension of several high-volume high-voltage inverter programmes from a leading European automotive manufacturer.The contracts cover updated inverter designs for plug-in hybrid and 800V battery-electric vehicle applications. Production is scheduled to begin in 2029.Isabelle McKenzie, President and General Manager, BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems, said the programme extensions demonstrate the company’s position in power electronics and reflect the strength of its technology, in-house expertise and customer relationships.For plug-in hybrid vehicles, BorgWarner wil..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Castrol India Q2 Profit Rises 43% to Rs 3.48 bn

Castrol India reported a 43 per cent year-on-year increase in profit after tax to Rs 3.48 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, supported by growth across its consumer, industrial and institutional businesses.Revenue from operations increased 25 per cent to Rs 18.71 billion during the second quarter of 2026, compared with Rs 14.97 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. EBITDA rose 41 per cent to Rs 4.94 billion from Rs 3.50 billion.Sequentially, revenue increased from Rs 15.45 billion in the first quarter of 2026, while EBITDA rose from Rs 3.29 billion. Profit after tax increased ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement