Power Foundation of India (PFI) participated as the Knowledge Partner at the Distribution Utility Meet (DUM) 2025, held on 4-5 November in Mumbai. The forum brought together utilities, regulators, policymakers, and sector leaders to discuss energy transition, grid modernisation, digitalisation, and the future of India’s power distribution ecosystem. The Inaugural Ceremony was graced by Smt. Meghna Sakore Bordikar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Energy, Government of Maharashtra; Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India; and Dr. Srikant Nagulapalli, Director General, PFI.

As Knowledge Partner, PFI organised two technical sessions:
• Special Plenary Session on “Innovative Policies & Regulatory Interventions for Sustainability of DISCOMs” – (YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1h25kZE8LQ&list=PLgSiPGd4Nrcj70ts6LIkU02aratmxVkxq&index=3&t=636s) – held on 4 November, chaired by Shri Pankaj Agarwal and featuring a thematic presentation (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fbqs5Pd7HgtfSLFZ5lZvRbd274qfKKRy/view?usp=drive_link)) 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” – (You Tube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHdB8igjCjM) – held on 5 November, session moderation and presentation (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sSRo_Ut_aBb1KnvfnReBppsV2Qxf0jZW/view?usp=drive_link) 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 (https://www.powerfoundation.org.in/publications.php)
• Strategic Pathways for Energy Storage in India through 2032 (https://www.powerfoundation.org.in/publications.php)
• Tapping the Potential of Agriphotovoltaics in India (https://www.powerfoundation.org.in/publications.php)

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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