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.