Addressing participants at the two-day National Conference on the use of AI/ML technologies in the power distribution sector at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi Manohar Lal, Minister of Power said that AI/ML-driven tools – such as smart meter analytics, digital twins, predictive maintenance, theft detection intelligence, appliance-level consumer insights, automated outage prediction and GenAI-based decision support – have the potential to reshape operational efficiency and significantly enhance consumer experience.

Lal reiterated that active consumer engagement is central to the success of new technologies. The sector must work to dispel misinformation and ensure that consumers feel informed and empowered to support the digital transformation of the power ecosystem.

He noted that AI/ML technologies are redefining the sector by restoring trust, enabling households to better manage consumption, preventing outages before they occur, protecting honest consumers from theft-related burdens, and helping DISCOMs reduce losses, optimise power procurement costs, and reinvest in robust infrastructure. These advances, he said, position India as a global leader in digital electricity reform and future-ready grid governance.

Lal commended the extensive participation of industry representatives, state utilities, technology innovators, academia, and ecosystem partners at the National Conference. The AI/ML solutions presented by Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers (AMISPs), Technology Solution Providers (TSPs), and Home Automation Solution Providers (HASPs).

Speaking at the conference, Pankaj Agarwal (IAS: 1992: MP), Secretary, Ministry of Power, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to accelerate digitalization across DISCOMs. He emphasized the importance of adopting AI/ML solutions capable of delivering measurable operational and financial improvements.

As part of the conference, a nationwide call for innovation attracted 195 applications from DISCOMs, AMISPs, TSPs, and Home Automation Solution Providers. Following initial screening, 51 solutions were shortlisted for detailed jury evaluation on Day 1 (December 6, 2025).

After thorough assessment, the following were declared winners –

• DISCOMs Category: TNPDCL (Tamil Nadu), MP East (Madhya Pradesh)

• AMISP Category: Tata Power and Apraava

• Solution Provider Category: Pravah and Flock Energy

• Home Automation Solution Category: Tata Power

The winners presented innovations including advanced smart meter analytics for revenue protection (Tamil Nadu), accurate consumer indexing to reduce losses (MP East), behavioural demand response and AI-based automation (TP Power Plus, Apraava), unified real-time grid intelligence (Pravah, Flock Energy), and futuristic home energy management solutions (Tata Power). They were felicitated by the Minister of Power, who encouraged nationwide scaling of these innovations.