REC | National Conference on accelerating AI and ML adoption in Power Distribution
A two-day National Conference on accelerating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) adoption in the power distribution ecosystem under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is set to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on December 6–7. The flagship conference, organised by the Ministry of Power, comes at a time when rapid digitisation, smart metering, and data-driven decision-making are emerging as cornerstones of India’s evolving energy landscape. With technological innovation becoming essential for improving operational efficiency across Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), the event aims to bring industry stakeholders together on a single platform to share insights, best practices, and future-ready solutions.
The theme of the conference — “Harnessing AI/ML for Smart, Efficient and Sustainable Power Distribution” — reflects the Government of India’s focus on leveraging disruptive technologies to optimise energy management from generation to consumption. Over the two days, participants will witness cutting-edge demonstrations highlighting the practical use of smart meter data analytics, integrated IT/OT systems, and smart home automation solutions. These case studies are expected to display how AI-enabled insights can improve load management, reduce aggregate technical and commercial losses (AT&C), enhance real-time monitoring, and drive greater consumer satisfaction through proactive service delivery.
One of the core highlights will be live demonstrations of AI/ML-driven analytics solutions that use smart meter-generated data to generate actionable insights for utilities. The introduction of smart meters across the country—supported by the RDSS—has significantly improved the availability of granular consumer-level energy consumption information. Presentations at the conference will show how this data can be leveraged to improve demand forecasting, reduce power purchase costs, optimise outage management, and detect power theft or unusual consumption behaviour through pattern recognition and anomaly detection.
The conference also seeks to expand the conversation beyond AI and ML into a broader spectrum of emerging technologies. Use cases incorporating Blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Smart Home Automations will be showcased to highlight how distributed and interoperable digital systems can enhance grid stability while empowering consumers. With the roll-out of rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and prosumer-based energy exchange gradually increasing across the country, speakers will emphasise the growing urgency for technologically intelligent grid systems that can manage decentralised, bi-directional power flows without compromising reliability.
The scale of participation underlines the sector’s growing enthusiasm for innovation. A total of 195 applications were submitted for presentation, and 51 have been shortlisted for demonstration during the conference. The selected applicants represent a diverse mix — DISCOMs, Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers (AMISPs), Technology Solution Providers (TSPs), and Home Automation Solution Providers (HASPs). Their solutions span multiple areas, including revenue protection, fraud analytics, digital platform integration, consumer engagement, meter-to-cash optimisation, and cost-efficient load scheduling. Several DISCOMs are expected to highlight on-ground success stories demonstrating how digital interventions have not only improved billing efficiency and reduced outages but also strengthened financial sustainability.
A distinguished panel of jurors comprising leaders from the power sector and the technology industry will evaluate the presented solutions. On December 7, the Minister of Power, Shri Manohar Lal, will present awards to the most impactful and innovative solutions that show strong scalability potential for large-scale deployment across the country. Senior dignitaries including Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, along with policymakers, representatives from DISCOMs and technology companies, academic institutions, and officials of the Ministry of Power will take part in the conference, ensuring a broad exchange of ideas across public and private sector stakeholders.
With India moving rapidly toward a consumer-centric smart power ecosystem, initiatives like this conference underline the government’s ambition to make AI and ML a principal driver of distribution efficiency. RDSS-enabled reforms are already strengthening financial viability in DISCOMs, and the large-scale adoption of digital technologies under the scheme is expected to help utilities reduce losses, enhance revenue assurance, and deliver reliable, 24×7 quality power. The increasing emphasis on automation, real-time monitoring, and grid-wide digital integration reinforces the broader national goal of achieving sustainability alongside operational excellence.
As part of India’s digital transformation journey, the power sector stands poised to become a leading example of technology-driven governance, aligning with the reform-oriented direction seen across the Indian Bureaucracy. The event also adds momentum to the Latest Indian Bureaucracy News landscape, illustrating how digital innovation under key ministries is redefining service delivery. With AI and ML now emerging as mission-critical enablers, the two-day National Conference is expected to accelerate the adoption of future-ready solutions and contribute meaningfully toward building a smarter, greener, and more resilient power distribution network for the nation.