POWER UTILITIES AT DIGITAL CROSSROADS

The digitalisation of operations is challenging yet immensely exciting. It calls for action from engineers, economists, researchers and decarbonisation experts alike.

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As we celebrate the biggest AI Summit held in Delhi, one thing to acknowledge is that we have moved to a higher stage of digitalisation. This transition is clearly reflected in the power sector; we can see it experiencing a rapid shift from traditional to digital operations, especially within utilities. The digitalisation of operations is challenging yet immensely exciting. It calls for action from engineers, economists, researchers and decarbonisation experts alike.

With powerful AI and ML tools at our disposal, collaboration and innovation across stakeholders are building meaningful solutions, pushing the sector forward sustainably. With electrification expanding to vehicles and energy storage becoming the backbone, power networks are evolving to become faster, smarter and more resilient. We are also seeing collaborations advancing the development of tools. Utilities, supported by AI, ML, and advanced metering data, play a crucial role in the digitalisation of operations.

In this story, we will seek to understand the perspectives of industry leaders, examining the role of different stakeholders and how their responsibilities are evolving in a rapidly changing energy landscape. The shift to smart utility operations is not only about adopting new technologies but also about integrating systems, strengthening processes, and aligning intent with execution.

Have we really gone digital?

The Indian power sector stands at a defining crossroads. Smart meters are being rolled out at scale, SCADA systems hum in control rooms, AI pilots are underway, and drones scan transmission corridors from the sky. Yet, a fundamental question remains: has the sector truly gone digital, or is it merely digitised?