The Ministry of Power has released a draft National Electricity Data Sharing Framework to create a unified platform for data on renewable energy, generation, transmission, distribution, grid operations and power markets. According to reports from Business Standard, the framework aims to address the sector's fragmented data ecosystem where operational, planning, commercial and consumer data are spread across generating, transmission and distribution companies, Load Despatch Centres, electricity regulatory commissions and other government agencies.
The framework proposes comprehensive metadata cataloguing and common reporting standards to improve data discoverability, consistency and interoperability. As reported by Business Standard, the framework will make datasets machine-readable and accessible through secure application programming interfaces (APIs), allowing authorised users to integrate datasets directly into their applications and analytical models. The draft proposes public access to data on installed capacity, aggregated renewable energy statistics, state-wise generation mix, annual energy balance summaries, and market volume and price data.
According to the framework details reported by Business Standard, data issuers must publish metadata catalogues and designate Data Governance Officers within 12 months of adopting the framework. Within 18 months, metadata for all public datasets must be available on the National Electricity Data Centre (NEDC) portal in a standardised, machine-readable format. The framework also proposes a two-level grievance redressal mechanism for data access requests and requires new datasets to be added within 90 working days of creation or acquisition.
The framework proposes setting up a National Electricity Data Centre (NEDC) and a National Electricity Data Portal (NEDC) to facilitate data sharing across the country. As reported by Business Standard, more granular information including detailed load-flow cases, feeder-level operational data, outage data, and de-identified smart meter and consumer meter data will be available only to registered users. The Central Electricity Authority will prescribe the data structure and format for publishing datasets.
According to Vikas Gaba, Partner and National Head, Power and Utilities at KPMG, as reported by Business Standard, the framework is currently voluntary but lays the foundation for a more robust data governance ecosystem. The next phase of power sector digitalisation would require standardised, dynamic datasets to support AI-driven analytics, forecasting, digital twins and other advanced digital services. The draft is open for public comments until July 21, 2026.
