AI to Drive Smarter Power Networks, Says Minister

11 Dec 2025 CW Team

Lal highlighted that AI and ML can significantly improve both consumer experience and operational efficiency. Solutions such as smart-meter analytics, digital twins, predictive maintenance, theft-detection intelligence, appliance-level insights, automated outage prediction and GenAI-based decision-support systems are poised to reshape the distribution landscape.

He praised the strong participation from industry, state utilities, innovators, academia and technology partners at the conference, and appreciated the AI/ML applications demonstrated by distribution companies (discoms), advanced metering infrastructure service providers (AMISPs), technology solution providers (TSPs) and home automation service providers (HASPs).

The minister urged all discoms to collaborate closely with stakeholders to transition towards smart, reliable and consumer-focused distribution systems, emphasising the need for active consumer engagement. Removing misinformation around new technologies, he said, is essential to securing public confidence and adoption.

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening digitalisation across discoms and promoting AI/ML-based solutions that deliver measurable operational and financial improvements. He stressed capacity building, secure data-sharing mechanisms and interoperability to ensure that innovative solutions can be scaled nationwide as part of India’s broader energy transition.

The national call for innovation received 195 applications. After evaluation, the winners declared were:

Discoms category: TNPDCL (Tamil Nadu) and MP East (Madhya Pradesh)

AMISP category: Tata Power and Apraava

Solution provider category: Pravah and Flock Energy

Home automation category: Tata Power

The winners were felicitated by the minister, who encouraged wider deployment of their solutions across states.

Lal also launched STELLAR (Strategic Expansion for Long-Term Load Adequacy and Resilience), developed by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The platform will enable discoms to conduct resource-adequacy studies and prepare long-term planning frameworks.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) will play a transformative role in building intelligent, consumer-centric and self-optimising power distribution networks, Power Minister Manohar Lal said on Sunday. He was addressing a two-day national conference on the use of AI/ML technologies in the power distribution sector, the Ministry of Power stated. Lal highlighted that AI and ML can significantly improve both consumer experience and operational efficiency. Solutions such as smart-meter analytics, digital twins, predictive maintenance, theft-detection intelligence, appliance-level insights, automated outage prediction and GenAI-based decision-support systems are poised to reshape the distribution landscape. He praised the strong participation from industry, state utilities, innovators, academia and technology partners at the conference, and appreciated the AI/ML applications demonstrated by distribution companies (discoms), advanced metering infrastructure service providers (AMISPs), technology solution providers (TSPs) and home automation service providers (HASPs). The minister urged all discoms to collaborate closely with stakeholders to transition towards smart, reliable and consumer-focused distribution systems, emphasising the need for active consumer engagement. Removing misinformation around new technologies, he said, is essential to securing public confidence and adoption. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening digitalisation across discoms and promoting AI/ML-based solutions that deliver measurable operational and financial improvements. He stressed capacity building, secure data-sharing mechanisms and interoperability to ensure that innovative solutions can be scaled nationwide as part of India’s broader energy transition. The national call for innovation received 195 applications. After evaluation, the winners declared were: Discoms category: TNPDCL (Tamil Nadu) and MP East (Madhya Pradesh) AMISP category: Tata Power and Apraava Solution provider category: Pravah and Flock Energy Home automation category: Tata Power The winners were felicitated by the minister, who encouraged wider deployment of their solutions across states. Lal also launched STELLAR (Strategic Expansion for Long-Term Load Adequacy and Resilience), developed by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The platform will enable discoms to conduct resource-adequacy studies and prepare long-term planning frameworks.

Infrastructure Urban

23 Jan 2026

9th India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee Meeting Held in Nay Pyi Taw

The ninth meeting of the India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, with a focus on strengthening bilateral trade and deepening economic cooperation. The meeting was co-chaired by U Minn Minn, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Commerce of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.Representatives from relevant ministries and stakeholder departments from both countries participated in the discussions. The meeting covered a broad range of issues aim..

Infrastructure Urban

23 Jan 2026

DGCA Launches Digital Pilot Licence Services for ATPL

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL) services for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), marking a significant step in the regulator’s ongoing digital transformation of aviation licensing in India. The service was inaugurated at an event held at the DGCA headquarters.Inaugurating the EPL ATPL service, Director General of Civil Aviation Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said the initiative represents a major advancement in strengthening India’s civil aviation regulatory framework through secure, modern and future-ready digital systems. He con..

Infrastructure Urban

23 Jan 2026

Cabinet Extends Atal Pension Yojana and Support Till 2030–31

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) up to the financial year 2030–31, along with the extension of government funding support for promotional and developmental activities and gap funding to ensure the scheme’s long-term sustainability.Under the approved framework, APY will continue to receive government support aimed at expanding its reach among unorganised and low-income workers. This includes funding for awareness campaigns, capacity-building initiatives and other developmental activities to strengthen ..