The Ministry of Power has released the draft National Electricity Data Sharing Framework (NEDSF) aimed at establishing a unified platform for sharing electricity sector data, including renewable energy, power generation, transmission, distribution, grid operations and electricity markets.
The proposed framework seeks to address the fragmented nature of the power sector’s data ecosystem, where operational, planning, commercial and consumer-related data are currently dispersed across generating companies, transmission and distribution utilities, Load Despatch Centres, electricity regulatory commissions and various government agencies.
According to the Ministry of Power, the existing datasets are fragmented, follow inconsistent formats and lack a common framework for standardisation and access. These shortcomings limit visibility and effective utilisation of data by policymakers, regulators, researchers and other stakeholders.
Industry experts noted that the power sector has traditionally maintained a restricted approach to data sharing. The new framework aims to establish common principles for secure, transparent and structured data exchange across the sector.
The draft framework proposes comprehensive metadata cataloguing and standardised reporting formats to improve data discoverability, consistency and interoperability. While the adoption of the framework will remain voluntary, it is expected to create the foundation for a stronger data governance ecosystem.
Commenting on the initiative, Vikas Gaba, Partner and National Head, Power and Utilities, KPMG, said that although the government cannot immediately mandate data sharing across all entities, the framework provides a roadmap for progressive alignment. He added that as more institutions adopt the framework, the quality, accessibility and transparency of power sector data are expected to improve steadily.
A key objective of the framework is to make datasets machine-readable and accessible through secure Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This would enable authorised users to integrate electricity-sector datasets directly into applications, digital platforms and analytical models.
To support nationwide data integration, the framework proposes the establishment of a National Electricity Data Centre (NEDC) and a National Electricity Data Portal (NEDP), which will serve as central platforms for data sharing and access.
Under the proposal, publicly accessible datasets would include information on installed power generation capacity, aggregated renewable energy statistics, state-wise generation mix, annual energy balance summaries and electricity market volume and price data. More detailed datasets—including load-flow cases, feeder-level operational data, outage information and de-identified smart meter and consumer meter data—would be accessible only to registered users.
Gaba further stated that the next phase of digital transformation in the power sector would require standardised and dynamic datasets capable of supporting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence-driven analytics, forecasting tools, digital twins and other digital services.
The framework outlines clear compliance timelines for participating entities. Data issuers will be required to publish metadata catalogues and appoint Data Governance Officers within 12 months of adopting the framework. Within 18 months, metadata for all public datasets must be made available on the NEDC portal in a standardised, machine-readable format.
Additionally, metadata catalogues will need to be updated every six months, while newly created or acquired datasets must be added within 90 working days.
The draft framework also proposes a two-tier grievance redressal mechanism for handling data access requests. Furthermore, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) will be responsible for prescribing the structure and format for publishing datasets to ensure uniformity and interoperability across the electricity sector.
The proposed framework is expected to strengthen data governance, enhance transparency and support the ongoing digitalisation of India’s power sector through improved data accessibility and standardisation.
