The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has teamed up with the Eastern Regional Load Dispatch Centre (ERLDC) under Grid India to build an AI-enabled smart device that helps households intelligently manage their power consumption, officials say.
The new system is being designed as a Smart Home Energy Management System, which combines smart plugs, sensors, and a microcontroller to monitor and automate electricity usage. It will take into account real-time electricity prices (time-of-use, or TOU tariffs), as well as external factors such as weather, occupancy in the home, and user preferences. 
Using machine learning and optimization algorithms, the system can automatically control loads switching appliances on or off depending on cost and demand with the twin aim of saving money for consumers and supporting grid stability by enabling demand flexibility. 
According to Prof. Preeti Ranjan Panda, Dean of Corporate Relations at IIT Delhi, data security is a key priority. The device will use encryption and secure wireless protocols to protect communication between components. 
Users will also have access to a real-time dashboard, giving them a clear view of their consumption patterns and cost savings as they happen. 
On the institutional side, ERLDC is playing a crucial role. As one of India’s five Regional Load Dispatch Centres, ERLDC is responsible for overseeing power operations in the eastern region and maintaining grid reliability. 
The research team includes faculty from IIT Delhi’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science disciplines: Prof. Ankit Singhal, Prof. Abhijit Abhyankar, Prof. Aanandrup Das, and Prof. Tarun Mangla. From the ERLDC side, Manas Das (Project Manager) and Alok Pratap Singh (Project Coordinator) are leading the effort. 
Rajib Sutradhar, Executive Director at ERLDC, emphasized that this collaboration marks a forward step for demand-side participation in India’s power ecosystem. He noted that as the grid modernizes especially with increasing integration of renewables tools that let consumers dynamically adjust their energy usage will be key. 
With energy demand rising in India and pricing models becoming more dynamic, this AI-enabled device aims to empower consumers, reduce costs, and contribute to a smarter, more flexible power grid.
