CEA Unified Framework for Digitalisation of the Distribution Sector
CEA has published a phased roadmap for discoms to move from scattered IT systems to integrated, partly automated grid operations by the mid-2030s. It is guidance, not a binding mandate.
Why it matters. Gives discoms and vendors a common sequence for spending on smart meters, SCADA and ADMS after RDSS.
What changes
- Foundation phase (2026–2029): readiness assessment, GIS and master data, AMI and meter data systems, feeder and transformer metering, cyber-security baselines.
- Integrated operations (2029–2032): link GIS, AMI, SCADA, outage management, ERP and CRM on a common network model; ADMS pilots.
- Intelligence and automation (2032–2035): scale up ADMS, fault location and restoration, Volt/VAR optimisation and DER management.
- Rule of thumb: do not automate a function until it is observable, data-quality assured and controllable; AI stays decision-support with human override at first.
- Proposes a national test bed for interoperability testing; smaller discoms may share non-real-time services.
Who is affected
Discoms · Smart-meter and AMI providers · IT/OT vendors · State regulators
Sources
- CEA, Unified Framework for Digitalisation of Indian DISCOMs, Oct 2026 (official PDF)OFFICIAL
- Power Peak Digest
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