Jaipur, 28 October. On the second day of the two‑day 10th Distribution Utility Meet‑2026 held in Jaipur, a technical session was convened on Wednesday on “Flexibility solutions for distribution networks and Central Electricity Authority (CEA) standards for solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)”. The session, organised with the participation of the Energy Department and the All India DISCOMs Association, examined strengthening power distribution networks, integrating renewable energy, peak‑demand management and the use of smart technologies
The session was chaired by All India DISCOMs Association Managing Director Mr Alok Kumar. KPMG partner Mr Vikas Gaba acted as moderator. Attendees included TERI Chairman Mr Hemant Verma, D‑Sharing Japan CEO Mr Naoki Sakai, Jaipur DISCOM’s SE Mrs Deepti Mathur and CPRI Additional Director Mr Sudhir Kumar R, among other experts and representatives
Emphasis on grid flexibility with renewable energy
Experts noted that the country now has roughly 165 GW of solar and 58 GW of wind capacity, and that the expansion of rooftop solar under the Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar free‑electricity scheme is raising the importance of clean energy. This creates new challenges for grid operation. Effective management of high daytime solar output and evening demand spikes requires coordinated use of energy storage, smart metering, demand‑side management and digital technologies
The session also covered resource adequacy. Experts said that ensuring uninterrupted power supply at peak demand calls for sufficient generation capacity, power purchase agreements, a robust transmission‑distribution network and long‑term plans for storage options such as batteries and pumped hydro
Battery storage and smart metering for demand management
Discussions included grid‑forming inverters for battery energy storage systems, demand‑side management based on smart‑meter data, and dynamic time‑of‑use tariffs. Proposals were made to make a minimum two‑hour BESS provision mandatory for new loads above 100 kW, to incentivise consumers providing flexible services, and to consider regulatory and financial measures to boost virtual power plants (VPPs), aggregators and access to energy markets
Showcasing innovations from other states
Examples presented were a 100 MW solar plant with a 40 MW/120 MWh battery storage project in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh; solar micro‑grids in remote areas of Tripura; and Jaipur DISCOM’s digital twin initiative. Battery storage was highlighted as a way to shift daytime solar generation to evening peak hours, while micro‑grids can bring electricity to remote rural areas
Digital twin and AI‑based technologies to improve network management
Under Jaipur DISCOM’s digital twin programme, digitisation of poles, lines, transformers, feeders and substations was discussed as a means to enhance network monitoring, analysis and planning. GIS mapping, smart‑meter and sensor data can help identify overloads and technical faults, locate faults, restore supply and aid network expansion planning
The report also mentioned AI and IoT‑driven demand‑management efforts by Jaipur DISCOM in partnership with clean‑tech startup Flock Energy and other organisations. Using home energy management systems (HEMS), smart plugs and IoT devices, household consumption was studied to shift high‑usage appliances such as air‑conditioners from peak to off‑peak periods. In addition, possibilities for rooftop solar were explored in collaboration with GreenTree Global and Flock Energy
Coordinated strategy needed for reliable and affordable power supply
Experts said that meeting future energy needs will require an integrated approach that combines energy storage, smart metering, digital network management, demand‑side management and resource adequacy. Development of technical standards, regulatory frameworks and financial incentives, together with sharing innovations across states, will help power distribution companies improve operational efficiency, manage peak demand effectively and provide the public with more reliable and better electricity services
Mohan/Priyanka