The Government of India is preparing a major reform that could significantly lower electricity bills for millions of consumers. According to Shashank Mishra, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Power, the government will deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the national power distribution network to reduce technical losses, prevent theft, and ensure efficient power usage.
AI Will Detect Faults and Reduce Wastage
Most households lose electricity due to issues like faulty wiring or earth leakage—problems that often go unnoticed. Mishra explains that AI systems will conduct daily automated monitoring, identifying:
- Abnormal consumption patterns
- Line faults
- Leakage spots
- Sudden variations in usage
AI will instantly alert electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), enabling them to fix these problems faster.
By reducing technical losses—which currently force companies to increase tariffs—the government aims to protect consumers from inflated bills.
AI to Help Catch Power Theft More Efficiently
Power theft remains a major cause of financial loss for DISCOMs. With AI-based analytics, companies will be able to identify:
- Theft-prone zones
- Unusually low meter readings
- Illegal connections
- Sudden drops in reported consumption
Faster detection will not only save money but also ensure that genuine consumers are not burdened with additional costs.
Big Language Models to Strengthen Decision-Making
The Power Ministry is also exploring the use of advanced AI systems like ChatGPT-style Large Language Models.
These models will help:
- Speed up administrative decision-making
- Reduce manual paperwork
- Monitor entire power networks round-the-clock
- Automate insights and reporting
According to Mishra, these tools will make India’s electricity ecosystem “faster, smarter, and far more efficient.”
Experts See a Bigger Opportunity for India
Energy experts point out that India already has surplus power generation capacity. With data centers and digital infrastructure expanding rapidly, electricity demand will rise sharply in the coming years.
If managed well, India could emerge as one of the world’s major power suppliers—serving both domestic needs and international markets.
New Electricity Amendment Bill on the Way
The government released the draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025 in October. Key objectives include:
- Rationalizing power tariffs
- Eliminating hidden subsidies
- Providing affordable electricity to industries
- Protecting subsidies for farmers and low-income households
Most importantly, the Bill assures every consumer access to affordable, high-quality electricity.
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