India Strengthens Power Sector Governance with Launch of Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Affairs at IIT Delhi
On January 20, 2026, Union Minister of Power Shri Manohar Lal inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Regulatory Affairs in the Power Sector at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing regulatory capabilities in India’s rapidly evolving electricity landscape.
Objectives of the Centre of Excellence
The Centre has been established in collaboration with IIT Delhi, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), and Grid Controller of India Ltd. (Grid India). Its primary objectives include:
- Supporting informed and forward-looking regulation.
- Addressing rising electricity demand and large-scale renewable energy integration.
- Expanding power markets and increasing the adoption of digital technologies.
Key Functions of the CoE
Envisioned as a national-level hub, the CoE will focus on:
- Regulatory research and capacity building.
- Advisory support and knowledge dissemination.
- Identifying key regulatory and sectoral challenges.
- Strengthening institutional capacity through human resource development.
- Promoting effective knowledge management.
Integration of Policy, Regulation, and Research
The Centre aims to integrate policy, regulation, system operations, and academic research within a single institutional framework. By embedding the Centre within a premier academic institution and collaborating closely with the national power regulator and the system operator, the initiative seeks to create a cohesive approach to power sector governance.
Support for Policymakers and Regulators
During the inauguration, Shri Manohar Lal emphasized the importance of strong regulation supported by robust knowledge and research as India transitions towards clean energy, competitive markets, and consumer-centric reforms. The CoE is expected to play a critical role in enabling informed regulatory decision-making.
The Centre’s work will directly support policy and regulatory processes by addressing the power sector trilemma of affordability, sustainability, and efficiency. It will equip regulators and policymakers with analytical tools and India-wide system models to assess regulatory proposals from the perspectives of:
- Consumer welfare
- System reliability
- Investment signals
Impact on Power Sector Reforms
As solar and wind energy become mainstream, the Centre will contribute to reshaping system planning, operations, and regulatory frameworks. Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with CERC and Grid India, highlighting the Institute’s commitment to generating knowledge and analysis that will support a sustainable, affordable, and future-ready electricity sector.
Focus on Multidisciplinary Research
The CoE will focus on multidisciplinary research spanning:
- Power sector regulations
- Market design
- Grid operations
- Energy transition challenges
- Decarbonisation pathways
- Digitalisation
- Emerging technologies such as energy storage, demand response, and green hydrogen
Additionally, the Centre will conduct structured training programmes aimed at building long-term regulatory capacity among power sector professionals.
Collaboration and Institutional Model
The collaboration between CERC, Grid India, and IIT Delhi represents a unique institutional model that combines regulatory leadership, operational expertise, and academic excellence. This partnership is expected to significantly contribute to building robust and future-ready regulatory frameworks for India’s power sector.
Conclusion
The launch of the Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Affairs at IIT Delhi is a pivotal development in India’s efforts to strengthen its power sector governance. By fostering collaboration between academic institutions and regulatory bodies, the CoE aims to enhance the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks, ultimately supporting India’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest available data as of January 2026.
