While addressing the participants in the Two-day National Conference focusing on the use of AI/ML technologies in the power distribution sector, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Minister of Power, Manohar Lal said that Artificial Intelligence (AI)- and Machine Learning (ML)-based applications will play a pivotal role in building intelligent, consumer-centric, self optimising distribution networks.
He noted that the AI/ML based solutions, smart meter analytics, digital twins, predictive maintenance, theft detection intelligence, appliance-level consumer insights, automated outage prediction and GenAI-based decision support can transform both consumer experience and operational efficiency.
Lal lauded the active participation of industry, states, innovators, academia, and technology partners at the National Conference. He appreciated 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).
The Minister urged all DISCOMs to work closely with ecosystem stakeholders to transition towards smart, reliable, and consumer-focused distribution systems. He remarked that there was also a need to actively engage consumers. It is important to remove misinformation that sometimes surrounds new technologies and to win the valuable support of consumers for technology adoption in the sector.
The minister noted that the AI/ML based solutions highlight a powerful narrative of technology restoring trust, empowering households to manage their consumption better, preventing outages before they occur, protecting honest consumers from theft burdens and enabling DISCOMs to reduce losses, optimise power purchase costs and reinvest in stronger infrastructure – positioning India as a global leader in digital electricity reform and future-ready grid governance.
