Power Foundation of India (PFI) participated as the 'Knowledge Partner' at the Distribution Utility Meet (DUM) 2025 held on 4th-5th November 2025, in Mumbai. The event, under the aegis of India Smart Grid Forum, was attended by 688 participants, including senior executives from 45 DISCOMs across India and 65 eminent speakers. DUM 2025 brought together more than 100 CEOs, Directors, and Utility Heads, along with representatives from regulatory commissions, policymakers, researchers, and technology providers. The Inaugural Ceremony was graced by Shri Atul Save, Hon'ble Minister of State (New and Renewable Energy), Government of Maharashtra; Smt. Meghana Sakore Bordikar, Hon'ble Minister of State (Energy), Government of Maharashtra; Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, GoI; and Dr. Srikant Nagulapalli, DG, PFI, & Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, GoI.

As Knowledge Partner, PFI organised two technical sessions:
• Special Plenary Session on “Innovative Policies & Regulatory Interventions for Sustainability of DISCOMs” – held on 4 November, chaired by Shri Pankaj Agarwal and featuring a thematic presentation by Shri Himanshu Chawla. The session addressed cost-reflective tariffs, targeted subsidies, dynamic pricing, regulatory asset management, and improved service-quality frameworks.

• Technical Session on “Electric Vehicles – A $200 Billion Opportunity in India and Utilities’ Role” – held on 5 November, session moderation and presentation were delivered by Shri Himanshu Chawla. The session explored grid readiness for EVs, charging infrastructure challenges, V2G technologies, battery swapping, second-life battery use, and the evolving role of DISCOMs, with participation from leading national institutions.

PFI also launched three key reports at the Inaugural Session:
• Incidence of Electric Bus Charging on DISCOMs’ Network and Scope for Optimal Power Purchase
• Strategic Pathways for Energy Storage in India through 2032
• Tapping the Potential of Agriphotovoltaics in India

Throughout the event, PFI’s exhibition stall showcased its flagship studies and major programme initiatives, drawing strong engagement from policymakers, regulators, utilities, and industry experts. PFI’s participation at DUM 2025 reflects its commitment to advancing evidence-based research, regulatory strengthening, and collaborative leadership in India’s power sector.
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