Electricity distribution grids in urban areas will have to change dramatically to suit the increasing demand for electric cooking, distributed renewable energy, electric heat pumps and electric vehicle. How can electricity distribution companies plan for rapidly increasing power demand in dense urban areas? What is the role of demand-side management, including power pools, smart metering and time-of-use pricing? How are smart grids being deployed in the region and what is the role of local governments and the private sector?

The session will explore the intersection of smart grid technology, digitalization, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Presentations will cover how smart grids utilize advanced communication and control technologies to optimize electricity supply and enable real-time data analysis for efficient EV charging. Presentations will include a case study from Guwahati City, India, showcasing how smart grids and digitalization are revolutionizing EV charging, integrating solar power, and ensuring grid stability; a presentation on the importance of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) integration using blockchain technology and the potential of green electricity for EV charging in India; best practices in cybersecurity for securing energy systems in Asia; the transformative impact of smart grids in Sri Lanka with demand response-integration to manage peak demand as well as renewable energy integration; and how innovative technologies such as IoT and Artificial Intelligence are driving energy efficiency initiatives, with a specific focus on municipal energy management in Pakistan.