Thematic Track Session 3.1 (Energy Efficiency)

Smart Utilities – Demand Flexibility & Grid Optimization

Tuesday, 3 June 2025

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (GMT +8)


Utilities across the Asia-Pacific region are rapidly embracing smart grid technologies and advanced metering infrastructure to optimize energy distribution, improve efficiency, and reduce technical losses. As renewable energy integration and demand variability grow, utilities face increasing complexity in maintaining grid stability and customer reliability. This session will explore how data analytics, automation, and public-private partnerships can help modernize utility infrastructure, enhance operational performance, and support the transition to more flexible, low-carbon power systems.

Presentations will highlight a range of innovative approaches, including AI-powered district heating, demand response mechanisms to improve grid flexibility, and data-driven optimization of EV charging infrastructure. The session will also feature case studies on mobile operators supporting smart grid development in Asia-Pacific, smart distribution reforms in the Philippines, and the critical role of asset management in enabling efficient grid modernization. Together, these insights will showcase how digital technologies and cross-sector collaboration are reshaping the future of utilities.

AGENDA


2:00 - 2:05 p.m.

Opening Remarks and Session Framing

Grayson Heffner, Moderator


2:05 - 2:13 p.m.

From Networks to Grids: How Mobile Operators Are Powering the Future of Smart Utilities in Asia-Pacific

Digvijay Sandhu, GSMA


2:13 - 2:21 p.m.

Grid Flexibility Through Demand Response

Deepti Mathur, Jaipur DISCOM


2:21 - 2:29 p.m.

AI-Powered District Heating: Enhancing Energy Efficiency Through IoT and Predictive Technologies

Keshan Samarasinghe, GGGI


2:29 - 2:37 p.m.

Smart Grid Transformation in Power Sector Distribution in the Philippines

Romeo Pacudan, Ricardo PLC


2:37 - 2:43 p.m.

Optimizing Energy Distribution and EV Charging Infrastructure With Data-Driven Machine Learning

Abdul R. Butt, Faysal Asset Management Limited


2:43 - 3:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A

Moderator: Grayson Heffner

With all speakers as panelists

SPEAKERS

Grayson Heffner

Grayson Heffner

Independent Energy Efficiency Consultant

Digvijay Sandhu

Digvijay Sandhu

Senior Market Engagement Manager,
GSMA

Deepti Mathur

Deepti Mathur

Superintending Engineer,Jaipur Discom

Keshan Samarasinghe

Keshan Samarasinghe

Policy and Project Development Expert (Energy Efficiency and Industry), Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)

Romeo Pacudan

Romeo Pacudan

Technical Director, RICARDO PLC

Abdul R. Butt

Strategy & Business Process Head, Faysal Asset Management Limited

PRESENTATIONS