Power Tech Shift

New Delhi

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) will play a major role in building a smart, consumer-friendly and self-optimising power distribution system in India, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal said on Sunday. He was addressing a two-day national conference on the use of AI and ML in the power distribution sector.

The minister said technologies such as smart meter analytics, digital twins, predictive maintenance, power theft detection, appliance-level consumer insights, automated outage forecasting and generative AI-based decision tools can greatly improve both consumer services and operational efficiency. These solutions, he said, can help reduce outages, protect honest consumers, cut losses for distribution companies (discoms) and lower power purchase costs, while strengthening infrastructure and public trust in the system.

Manohar Lal urged all discoms to work closely with technology providers and other stakeholders to move towards smart, reliable and consumer-focused distribution networks. He stressed the need to actively engage with consumers, remove misinformation about new technologies and seek public support for wider adoption of digital tools in the power sector.

During the event, the minister also launched STELLAR, a new tool developed by the Central Electricity Authority to help discoms plan long-term power supply and ensure load adequacy. The India Smart Grid Forum released a handbook on AI, ML, AR/VR and robotics solutions, listing 174 practical use cases for electric utilities.

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal highlighted the importance of capacity building, secure data sharing and system compatibility for nationwide scaling of innovation. The conference received 195 innovation proposals, of which 51 were shortlisted. After final evaluation, winners were announced across discoms, service providers and technology firms, showcasing several data-driven solutions to improve grid performance and consumer experience.