Maharashtra State Load Despatch Centre

India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) Innovation Award 2026

The India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) is a globally recognized think tank established in 2011 as a Public-Private Partnership with the Government of India. It plays a key role in advancing energy transition, electric mobility, and grid modernization across the country. To promote excellence in these sectors, ISGF instituted the Innovation Awards in 2017, recognizing outstanding contributions by utilities, technology providers, and individuals in electricity, gas, water, and e-mobility domains. By 2025, over 373 organizations and individuals have been honored.

At the 10th ISGF Innovation Awards 2026, held during India Smart Utility Week 2026, the Maharashtra State Load Despatch Centre (MSLDC) received the Diamond Level Award for its project titled:
“Real Time Pilot of Intra-State Security Constrained Economic Despatch in Maharashtra.”

A key outcome of this project is the development of DRISHTI (Digital Intelligence for Economic Grid Operation)—an advanced digital platform enabling:

• Economic scheduling and dispatch monitoring
• Operational analytics

This initiative was successfully executed in collaboration with the Grid Integration Lab IIT Bombay, with expert guidance from Sushil Kumar Soonee and Debasis De.

The achievement reflects strong institutional support from the Government of Maharashtra and leadership of MSETCL, contributing significantly to secure, efficient, and economically optimized grid operations. The awards ceremony took place on 13 March 2026, recognizing innovation and encouraging wider participation from utilities, technology firms, academia, and other stakeholders in shaping the future of smart energy systems.

IPPAI Power Awards - 2025

To encourage and appreciate innovation in the Indian power sector, IPPAI began awarding best performers in the sector in 2012.

After over a decade of operations, the IPPAI Power Awards have emerged as the leading technical award in the Indian Power Sector and the premier platform for improving visibility within the industry. They recognize the contributions and achievements of individuals, public and private commercial entities, States, Regulatory bodies, and researchers who have contributed to the development of the power sector in India. Whether such contributions are in improving transmission or generation efficiency, R&D in BESS, or proactive planning for Green Hydrogen and Ammonia initiatives, the IPPAI Power Awards are the platform to showcase the achievements and initiatives to other industry leaders, policymakers, and regulators.

For the year 2025, Maharashtra SLDC has received two awards: 

1.  “Best Load Despatch Centre (SLDC)”
2.  “Easiest access to open access (SLDC)’’ 

IPPAI Power Awards - 2024

To encourage and appreciate innovation in the Indian power sector, IPPAI began awarding best performers in the sector in 2012.

After over a decade of operations, the IPPAI Power Awards have emerged as the leading technical award in the Indian Power Sector and the premier platform for improving visibility within the industry. They recognize the contributions and achievements of individuals, public and private commercial entities, States, Regulatory bodies, and researchers who have contributed to the development of the power sector in India. Whether such contributions are in improving transmission or generation efficiency, R&D in BESS, or proactive planning for Green Hydrogen and Ammonia initiatives, the IPPAI Power Awards are the platform to showcase the achievements and initiatives to other industry leaders, policymakers, and regulators.

For the year 2024, Maharashtra SLDC has received two awards: 

1.  “Best Load Despatch Centre (SLDC)”
2.  “Easiest access to open access (SLDC)’’ 

LDC Excellence Award - 2023

The "LDC Excellence Award" is instituted to recognize the exceptional work done by the Load Despatch Centers (LDCs) in the Indian power sector. The secretariat of Forum of Load Despatchers (FOLD).

The nominations along with predefined data was sought from all the SLDCs & RLDCs in the Country. These nominations are categorized among various SLDCs based on the Installed Capacity & Power System sizing. Accordingly, SLDCs are categorized as Large SLDC, Medium SLDC & Emerging SLDC. Maharashtra is covered under Large SLDC wherein there are total 13 Nos. of SLDCs.

For the year 2023, Maharashtra has received 3rd LDC excellence award.