The 10th Annual Conference of Power Distribution Utilities, known as the Distribution Utility Meet (DUM) 2026, is scheduled to take place on 27–28 October 2026 at The Lalit Hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Organised by the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF), the two-day conference will bring together power distribution utilities, policymakers, government officials and technology providers under the theme “Collaborative Growth”.
The conference aims to strengthen collaboration across India’s electricity distribution sector and encourage discussions on the operational, technological and financial challenges facing distribution companies. As India advances its energy transition, DUM 2026 will provide a platform for stakeholders to explore innovative approaches to grid modernisation, digital transformation, utility performance and reliable electricity distribution.
DUM 2026 to Focus on Collaborative Growth
The theme “Collaborative Growth” highlights the importance of cooperation among electricity distribution companies, government institutions, regulators and technology providers. With the power distribution sector undergoing significant changes, collaboration is increasingly important for improving service quality, reducing operational inefficiencies and supporting the adoption of smart-grid technologies.
DUM 2026 is expected to facilitate knowledge-sharing and discussions on practical solutions that can help distribution utilities address emerging challenges. The conference will also provide opportunities for participants to exchange experiences, understand industry developments and explore partnerships aimed at strengthening India’s power distribution infrastructure.
Government Institutions and Industry Bodies Support DUM 2026
The conference is supported by key government institutions and sector organisations, including the Ministry of Power, NITI Aayog, the Department of Energy, Government of Rajasthan, and the Central Electricity Authority.
The event poster also identifies the All India Discoms Association (AIDA) and several electricity distribution utilities among the participating organisations and supporting partners. Their involvement reflects the importance of bringing together stakeholders from different parts of the electricity value chain to discuss common challenges and potential solutions.
The participation of government bodies and industry organisations is expected to contribute to discussions on policy priorities, sector reforms, technology adoption and the long-term development of India’s electricity distribution network.
Grid Modernisation and Smart-Grid Technologies in Focus
Grid modernisation is expected to be a key discussion area at DUM 2026. Electricity distribution utilities are increasingly exploring advanced technologies to improve network monitoring, operational visibility, outage management and service reliability.
Smart-grid solutions, digital platforms and data-driven operational systems are becoming important tools for utilities seeking to manage growing electricity demand and integrate changing energy resources. The conference is expected to examine how these technologies can support more efficient network operations and help distribution companies improve their response to consumer requirements.
Discussions may also address the role of automation, digital infrastructure and technology-enabled decision-making in strengthening distribution networks. These developments are particularly relevant as utilities seek to improve efficiency while maintaining reliable electricity supply across urban and rural areas.
Financial Sustainability and DISCOM Performance
The financial sustainability of distribution companies remains a major issue for India’s power sector. Distribution utilities must balance infrastructure investment, operating costs, electricity procurement, revenue collection and consumer service obligations.
DUM 2026 is expected to provide a forum for discussing utility performance and approaches to improving financial and operational efficiency. Participants will have an opportunity to exchange experiences related to institutional processes, technology investments and performance improvement initiatives.
The conference is also expected to encourage discussion on how digitalisation and better operational practices can support more effective resource management. Strengthening the financial position of distribution companies is important for enabling continued investment in network upgrades, improved consumer services and long-term infrastructure development.
Senior Power-Sector Leaders Announced for Inauguration
The announced speaker line-up includes senior officials from India’s electricity distribution sector and representatives from the energy technology industry.
Ranvir Prasad, Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) and General Secretary of the All India Discoms Association (AIDA), is featured as an inauguration speaker in the event poster. His participation brings a utility leadership perspective to discussions surrounding the development and performance of distribution companies.
Arti Dogra, Secretary–Energy, Rajasthan, and CMD of Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited, has also been announced as an inauguration speaker. Her participation highlights the role of state-level energy administration and distribution utilities in advancing electricity-sector priorities.
Representatives from ISGF and the energy technology industry are also included in the published speaker line-up. The gathering is expected to encourage dialogue between utility leaders, policymakers and technology specialists on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.
Leading Electricity Distribution Utilities Expected to Participate
DUM 2026 is expected to attract senior DISCOM executives, government officials, policymakers, regulators, utility professionals, researchers, technology providers and international power-sector representatives.
Organisations identified in the event information include Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited, Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited, Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, Tata Power, Tata Power-DDL, Noida Power Company Limited and Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited.
The participation of utilities operating in different markets is expected to support the exchange of practical experiences and operational insights. Distribution companies face varying challenges depending on their consumer base, network characteristics, electricity demand and operating environment. A shared platform can help participants learn from different approaches to improving reliability, efficiency and consumer satisfaction.
For technology providers, the conference also offers an opportunity to engage with utility decision-makers and understand the requirements of India’s evolving electricity distribution market.
DUM 2025 Attendance Highlights the Conference’s Industry Reach
The previous edition, DUM 2025, reportedly attracted 688 delegates, including more than 377 utility officials. These figures demonstrate the conference’s reach among professionals and organisations working in India’s power distribution ecosystem.
The previous edition’s reported participation provides context for the role of the annual meet as a platform for knowledge exchange and industry engagement. However, an official projected attendance figure for DUM 2026 has not been verified from the information available for this announcement.
The 2026 conference is expected to continue bringing together stakeholders interested in utility modernisation, sector reforms, operational improvement and emerging energy technologies.
Jaipur to Host Two Days of Power Distribution Discussions
Jaipur will host the two-day conference at The Lalit Hotel on 27 and 28 October 2026. The venue will bring together representatives from government, industry and the technology community for discussions focused on the future of electricity distribution.
The conference is expected to cover a broad range of subjects related to grid infrastructure, digitalisation, financial performance and utility collaboration. Detailed session timings and the complete programme should be confirmed through the organiser’s official announcements.
For power distribution professionals, policymakers and technology companies, DUM 2026 represents an opportunity to exchange ideas, build industry relationships and explore approaches to addressing the sector’s evolving requirements.
DUM 2026: Event Details
Event Name: 10th Annual Conference of Power Distribution Utilities – Distribution Utility Meet (DUM) 2026
Dates: 27–28 October 2026
Venue: The Lalit Hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Organiser: India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF)
Theme: Collaborative Growth
Key Focus Areas: Grid modernisation, smart-grid technologies, digital transformation, DISCOM financial sustainability, operational efficiency and utility performance
Supporting Institutions: Ministry of Power, NITI Aayog, Department of Energy, Government of Rajasthan, and Central Electricity Authority
Registration and Ticket Information: Refer to the organiser’s official event announcements for confirmed registration details, ticket prices and participation requirements.
Conclusion
The Distribution Utility Meet 2026 is set to bring together key stakeholders from India’s electricity distribution sector in Jaipur on 27–28 October. Organised by the India Smart Grid Forum under the theme “Collaborative Growth”, the conference will focus on cooperation, technology adoption and practical approaches to improving utility performance.
With senior power-sector representatives, distribution companies, government institutions and technology providers expected to participate, DUM 2026 will provide a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of India’s electricity distribution network.
