India's Ministry of Power has outlined the National Electricity Data Sharing Framework, 2026, proposing common rules for how electricity-sector data is organised, accessed and shared securely. The voluntary framework distinguishes publicly available datasets from information requiring authorised access and proposes a national data-sharing portal.
For DISCOM leaders, the framework raises three practical questions: which operational datasets can be shared, who should have access, and how can data from existing systems be made available in consistent, secure formats? The Ministry of Power’s proposed access controls and data-sharing standards provide a starting point for DISCOMs to address these questions.
Key Takeaways
- The framework proposes two categories of electricity data: publicly accessible datasets and datasets requiring authorised access.
- A Central Electricity Authority (CEA)-supported National Electricity Data Portal would facilitate data discovery and sharing.
- Standardised data formats, secure APIs and cybersecurity safeguards are proposed to support controlled data exchange.
- Participation is voluntary, allowing electricity-sector organisations to adopt the framework fully or partially.
Which Electricity Data Can Be Shared Under the Framework?
The framework proposes a two-tier classification system governing access to electricity-sector information.
Tier 1: Public datasets
These include information such as installed generation capacity, renewable energy statistics, generation mix and annual energy balances. Such datasets would be available through open access.
Tier 2: Access-controlled datasets
More detailed operational information, including feeder-level data, outage records, load-flow studies and anonymised smart meter readings, would require registration and authorisation before access is granted.
The proposed classification gives DISCOMs a basis for distinguishing information suitable for public access from operational datasets requiring additional safeguards.
For DISCOM CIOs, the classification provides a basis for identifying which operational datasets can be shared publicly and which require authorised access, particularly feeder-level, outage and smart meter data.
How Will the Framework Standardise Electricity Data Sharing?
The Ministry has proposed a National Electricity Data Portal, supported by the CEA, to improve the discovery and exchange of electricity-sector datasets.
According to Business Standard, the framework seeks to make datasets available in machine-readable formats and accessible through secure application programming interfaces (APIs). These mechanisms would allow authorised users to integrate electricity data into analytical applications without relying entirely on manual data exchanges.
The proposed framework covers information across generation, transmission, distribution, grid operations, renewable energy, storage and electricity markets.
For DISCOMs managing smart meter, outage and network data across different systems, common formats and secure APIs could reduce manual data preparation and simplify information sharing with authorised users.
What Data Security and Governance Measures Are Proposed?
The framework also outlines safeguards for sharing sensitive electricity data. The proposed provisions include:
- Anonymisation or de-identification of sensitive consumer information.
- Role-Based Access Control and multi-factor authentication.
- Encryption and cybersecurity testing of data-sharing infrastructure.
- Storage and processing restrictions for access-controlled datasets, subject to applicable laws.
The framework also envisages data governance arrangements to oversee dataset classification, access requests and sharing agreements. Participating organisations would retain ownership and control of their datasets.
For participating DISCOMs, the proposed Data Governance Officer role would establish clear responsibility for handling external data requests and managing data-sharing agreements
Also Read: 2025 Energy Trends: Utility Governance and Data Strategy : Grid
How WorkOnGrid Supports Secure Utility Data Integration and Access
The framework's focus on standardised data exchange and controlled access closely aligns with WorkOnGrid's Utility Data Grid, supported by its Integration Layer and Role-Based Access Control capabilities.
WorkOnGrid helps electricity utilities bring information from existing systems, including Head-End Systems (HES), Meter Data Management (MDM) systems, billing systems, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other operational applications, into a connected data environment.
Its capabilities include:
- Integration Layer: Connects different utility systems through APIs, file-based exchanges and other supported integration methods.
- Data Hub: Consolidates operational information from multiple sources for consistent access and analysis.
- Role-Based Access Control: Restricts information access according to users' assigned roles and permissions.
- Reporting Engine: Supports structured operational reports and data exports for authorised stakeholders.
These capabilities address the underlying data integration and access-management requirements highlighted by the proposed framework.
WorkOnGrid's role is to help utilities manage and use their own operational data. The framework does not designate WorkOnGrid or any other commercial platform as its implementation system.
Talk to our team to explore how WorkOnGrid supports utility data integration, access control and reporting across existing systems.
