Electricity Grid Code 2026RegulationPublished

1. Introduction

The Electricity Grid Code 2026 establishes the technical standards, procedures, and requirements for the planning, development, operation, and maintenance of the electricity grid in the Kingdom of Bhutan. This Code applies to all participants connected to or seeking connection to the national electricity grid.

This third edition incorporates lessons learned from the integration of solar photovoltaic systems and aligns with the Royal Government's commitment to sustainable energy development as outlined in the National Energy Policy 2025.

2. Scope and Application

This Grid Code applies to the Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) as the system operator, all licensed generators including hydro and solar facilities, bulk consumers connected at 33kV and above, and cross-border interconnection points with the Indian grid.

3. Grid Connection Standards

All new connections to the national grid shall comply with the voltage standards specified in this section. The nominal voltage levels are: Low Voltage (LV) at 400V/230V, Medium Voltage (MV) at 11kV and 33kV, High Voltage (HV) at 66kV and 132kV, and Extra High Voltage (EHV) at 220kV and 400kV.

Voltage variation at the point of connection shall not exceed ±6% of the nominal voltage under normal operating conditions and ±10% under emergency conditions.

4. Solar Integration Requirements

Solar photovoltaic installations connected to the grid shall comply with the following requirements: active power control capability, reactive power support as specified by the system operator, low voltage ride-through capability for installations above 1 MW, and anti-islanding protection in accordance with IEC 62116.