The Ministry of Power is constituting a steering committee and a sub-working group of domain experts to standardize training modules and create standard operating procedures (SOPs)/guidelines for data utilization, standards-based regime adoption, and cybersecurity practices on smart meter data analytics for distribution companies (DISCOMs).

The National Data Analytics and Reporting Centre at the National Power Training Institute, Faridabad, will conduct training programs for DISCOM officials and handhold DISCOMs for customizing use case analytics according to their requirements. It also plans a training program on “Leadership and Strategic Management” for senior management to effectively implement data analytics.

The steering committee will have the following terms of reference:

• Supervise the training modules’ design and development
• Approve the SOPs/guidelines for the standards-based regime. These SOPs/guidelines will emphasize cybersecurity and data privacy frameworks
• Ensuring the handbook for DISCOMs follows the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider Standard Bidding Document and other use cases being implemented in utilities
• Suggest a central-level mechanism to provide DISCOMs with continuous handholding support for data analytics usage and obtaining regular feedback
• Review the training programs’ implementation

The sub-working group will assist the steering committee. It will have the following terms of reference:

• The design and development of training modules for DISCOM employees at multiple levels, including the managing director, senior management (superintending engineer to directors), and the field (executive engineer and below) levels
• Consult with relevant stakeholders to develop the SOPs/guidelines and a handbook for DISCOMs, emphasizing the effective use of data analytics, cybersecurity, and data privacy frameworks

The Ministry said the committee and the working group are being constituted to fulfil the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) guidelines requirement of institutionalizing data analytics-based decision-making throughout utilities. This would help unlock the complete value of the data available through the Advance Metering Infrastructure, but it needs standardized training and capacity-building programs.

The target date for the Smart Meter National Program under RDSS is March 31, 2026. According to National Smart Grid Mission data in February this year, only 20.85 million smart meters were installed against a target of 250 million consumer smart meters by the end of the financial year (FY) 2026.

The ₹3.3 trillion (~$37.36 billion) RDSS is likely to be extended by two years until FY 2028. The Ministry told Parliament’s Standing Committee on Energy, “As per our current implementation status, a lot of work remains to be done, especially in the case of smart meters. This will approximately take two years.”