Vidhyut Dwar Portal and AI Initiatives Unveiled at Power Sector Event

Pioneering a technological leap in the nation’s energy landscape, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) launched its two-day international conference-cum-exhibition themed “Making Indian Power Sector AI Enabled” at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on October 14, 2026. Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal and Union Minister of Education, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi shared encouraging messages for the landmark event.

The inaugural session was graced by Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology Jitin Prasada, Ministry of Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, CEA Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad, and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Additional Secretary Mayank Tewari. Highlighting the urgency of modernization, leaders emphasized integrating artificial intelligence across the energy value chain. A key announcement included the formation of a dedicated team of 54 AI brand ambassadors by the CEA to spearhead digital adoption across power utilities nationwide.

The opening ceremony also featured major releases, including the launch of the CEA’s “Vidhyut Dwar Portal,” the release of the CEA Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria, 2026, and the presentation of employee awards for exceptional contributions. Day one proceeded with six parallel technical sessions focusing on practical AI integration across conventional generation, regulatory frameworks, renewable energy, distribution networks, transmission stability, and decentralized microgrids.

Discussions on conventional generation explored AI-driven predictive maintenance, heat-rate optimization, and emissions monitoring to improve plant efficiency. For renewable energy and distribution, experts highlighted AI applications in variable generation forecasting, smart-meter data analytics, outage detection, and virtual power plant coordination. Transmission modernization panels focused on drone-based infrastructure inspections, digital twins, and dynamic line rating to ensure grid stability and black-start preparedness.

Concluding with collaborative deliberations, the brainstorming event aimed to transition the power sector from isolated tech trials to scalable, secure, and data-driven AI solutions. The initiative establishes a comprehensive framework for creating efficient, intelligent, and resilient power networks across India.