Power Sector Reforms Get Institutional Boost with New Centre of Excellence at IIT Delhi

Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal on Monday inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Regulatory Affairs in the Power Sector at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, calling it a timely initiative to strengthen evidence-based and future-ready regulation as India’s electricity sector undergoes rapid transformation.

Speaking at the inauguration on January 19, 2026, the Minister said the power sector is witnessing fundamental changes driven by renewable energy expansion, new market mechanisms, technological innovation, and evolving consumer expectations. In this context, he noted, regulators face increasingly complex challenges that require strong analytical capacity, data-driven decision-making, and long-term policy foresight.

The newly established CoE is expected to serve as a knowledge and research hub to support regulatory institutions at both the central and state levels. It will focus on policy research, capacity building, training programmes, and the development of regulatory tools to help address emerging issues such as energy transition, grid integration of renewables, market design, and consumer-centric reforms.

Manohar Lal underlined that sound regulation is critical for ensuring affordability, reliability, and sustainability in the power sector. He said the Centre would help bridge the gap between academic research and real-world regulatory needs, enabling more informed and transparent decision-making.

Officials and experts present at the event said the initiative reflects the government’s emphasis on strengthening institutions as India moves towards its clean energy and net-zero commitments. With IIT Delhi’s academic expertise and industry engagement, the CoE is expected to contribute meaningfully to shaping regulatory frameworks suited to a rapidly evolving electricity ecosystem.

The inauguration marks an important step in building long-term regulatory capacity, reinforcing the role of knowledge-driven governance in supporting India’s energy transition.