AI & ML to Transform India’s Power Distribution Sector, Says Power Minister Manohar Lal
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)–based applications will play a pivotal role in building intelligent, consumer-centric and self-optimizing distribution networks, stated Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Power, while addressing participants at the Two-day National Conference on the use of AI/ML technologies in the power distribution sector, held today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Minister emphasised that AI and ML are no longer futuristic tools but essential drivers of efficiency, transparency and consumer empowerment in the power sector.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Shri Manohar Lal underlined that a digitally intelligent grid, supported by predictive analytics and real-time data-driven decision-making, can significantly improve performance across distribution networks. The Minister highlighted that AI/ML-enabled smart meter analytics, digital twins, predictive maintenance, theft detection intelligence, appliance-level consumer insights, automated outage prediction and GenAI-based decision support mechanisms have the potential to transform both consumer experience and operational efficiency. He added that the combination of these technologies will not only improve grid reliability but will also allow millions of consumers to make informed choices about energy usage.
Shri Manohar Lal appreciated the extensive participation of industry, state utilities, innovators, academia and technology partners at the National Conference. He commended the AI-driven solutions presented by Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers (AMISPs), Technology Solution Providers (TSPs) and Home Automation Solution Providers (HASPs). Their demonstration of data-driven applications, he noted, reflects the rapid technological progress and collective commitment of the power sector ecosystem toward building future-ready electric networks.
The Minister urged all DISCOMs to work more collaboratively with ecosystem stakeholders to accelerate the transition toward smart, reliable and consumer-focused distribution systems. He stressed that engaging consumers proactively is critical to achieving transformation. Addressing misinformation that sometimes surrounds new technologies, Shri Manohar Lal said that consumer trust must be built through transparency, ease of use and demonstrable benefits. Technology adoption in the power sector, he added, will be successful only when consumers clearly perceive value.
Shri Lal further emphasised that the AI/ML-based solutions being deployed across the country are shaping an impactful narrative where technology restores confidence in the distribution ecosystem. These applications empower households to monitor consumption, anticipate bills, and detect inefficiencies in real time. They prevent outages before they occur through predictive intelligence, protecting honest consumers from the financial burden of theft and losses. By optimizing power procurement, enhancing revenue assurance, identifying bottlenecks, and enabling targeted investments in infrastructure, AI and ML can support DISCOMs in reducing losses and reinvesting savings into grid strengthening. Such reforms, he remarked, are positioning India as a global leader in digital electricity sector transformation and next-generation grid governance.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment toward rapid and responsible digitalisation across DISCOMs. He highlighted the importance of promoting adoption of AI/ML-based solutions only when measurable operational and financial improvements are observable. Shri Agarwal noted that capacity building, secure and standardised data-sharing frameworks, and interoperability will be essential to ensure that innovations emerging from the conference do not remain confined to pilots but can be scaled nationwide. He added that digitalisation will play a central role in India’s energy transition, supporting grid flexibility and the integration of renewable energy at unprecedented levels.
The conference generated substantial enthusiasm from the power sector, with a national call for innovation attracting 195 applications from DISCOMs, AMISPs, technology solution providers and home automation solution providers. Following a rigorous screening process, 51 solutions were shortlisted for jury evaluation on Day 1 of the conference, held on December 6, 2025.
After detailed assessment by the expert jury, the winners were selected across multiple categories. TNPDCL (Tamil Nadu) and MP East (Madhya Pradesh) were declared winners in the DISCOMs category. Tata Power and Apraava emerged as winners in the AMISP category. In the solution provider category, Pravah and Flock Energy were recognised for their innovative offerings, while Tata Power was also declared the winner in the Home Automation Solution category.
On the second day of the conference, the winners made their detailed presentations, highlighting groundbreaking innovations. Tamil Nadu showcased advanced smart meter analytics for revenue protection, while MP East demonstrated accurate consumer indexing to reduce losses. AMISPs such as TP Power Plus and Apraava Energy displayed applications on behavioural demand response and AI-based operational automation. Technology solution providers Pravah and Flock Energy presented systems built on unified real-time grid intelligence and consumer appliance-level analytics. Tata Power demonstrated a futuristic and intuitive solution designed to monitor and regulate energy consumption for residential consumers.
The Minister of Power felicitated the winners and encouraged them to scale up these impactful solutions across multiple states and distribution utilities. He emphasised that replicating successful innovations quickly across the country would be vital to accelerate sector-wide digital transformation.
The event also witnessed key sectoral announcements. Shri Manohar Lal launched STELLAR – Strategic Expansion for Long-Term Load Adequacy and Resilience, developed by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). STELLAR will empower DISCOMs to conduct resource adequacy studies and prepare long-term adequacy plans to improve planning and resilience. Additionally, the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) presented the Handbook on AI, ML, AR/VR and Robotics Solutions and Roadmap for Electric Utilities, which showcases 174 use cases, including 45 from Indian utilities, offering a comprehensive perspective on the sector’s digital transformation.
The National Conference successfully showcased the rapidly strengthening digital innovation ecosystem of India’s power sector, demonstrating that AI and ML will not only play a pivotal role in technical improvements but also transform the way consumers and utilities experience electricity—driving transparency, accountability and resilience in the years ahead.