New Delhi: Power Finance Corporation (PFC), in partnership with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), organised a workshop on cybersecurity frameworks for the power distribution sector in New Delhi under the Advanced Digital Utility Manager (DUM) Course.
The workshop brought together more than 85 participants from 28 Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) and focused on strengthening cyber resilience across India’s increasingly digital and interconnected power distribution networks.
Workshop Focuses on Cybersecurity and Operational Resilience
The programme was designed to help power distribution professionals understand how cybersecurity compliance can be connected with practical operational resilience.
The workshop covered several areas relevant to modern electricity distribution utilities, including:
- Real-world cyber risks and threat actors
- Global cybersecurity benchmarks
- Operational Technology (OT) security roadmaps
- Smart metering network security
- UK cybersecurity best practices
- Red-Team and Blue-Team simulations
- Tabletop cybersecurity exercises
These sessions provided participants with exposure to cybersecurity risks and practical approaches for strengthening preparedness and response capabilities.
Read also: PFC Wins ‘Energy Infrastructure Finance Institution of the Year’ at Bharat Electricity Awards 2026
More Than 85 Participants From 28 DISCOMs Attend
The workshop brought together representatives from 28 DISCOMs, with more than 85 participants taking part in the programme.
The participation of distribution utilities from across the sector provided a platform for sharing experiences and discussing cybersecurity challenges associated with the digital transformation of electricity networks.
The programme particularly focused on translating cybersecurity frameworks and benchmarks into practical measures that can support the resilience of power distribution operations.
Focus on Cybersecurity Risks in Modern Power Distribution
Power distribution infrastructure is becoming increasingly dependent on digital technologies, connected systems and smart metering networks. As utilities adopt these technologies, cybersecurity has become an important component of modern grid management.
The workshop highlighted the need for distribution companies to strengthen their ability to identify and respond to cyber risks while maintaining reliable electricity services.
Participants were also exposed to practical exercises designed to demonstrate how organisations can prepare for and respond to cybersecurity incidents.
Smart Metering and OT Security Among Key Areas
Smart metering networks are becoming an increasingly important part of India’s power distribution infrastructure. Their growing adoption also makes network security and protection of connected systems an important consideration for utilities.
The workshop addressed smart metering network security along with Operational Technology (OT) security roadmaps for modern utilities.
The discussions aimed to help participants understand cybersecurity requirements across both digital and operational environments as electricity distribution systems continue to modernise.
Red-Team and Blue-Team Simulations Highlight Practical Cyber Risks
A key feature of the programme was the use of Red-Team and Blue-Team simulations and tabletop cybersecurity exercises.
These practical sessions were aimed at giving participants a better understanding of cyber threats and response approaches in an operational environment.
The exercises complemented discussions on global cybersecurity benchmarks and UK best practices, helping connect theoretical frameworks with practical cybersecurity preparedness.
PFC and UK FCDO Collaborate on Digital Utility Management
The workshop was organised as part of the Advanced Digital Utility Manager Course, in partnership with the UK’s FCDO.
The collaboration brought together expertise from the power and cybersecurity domains, with a focus on strengthening the capabilities of professionals working in electricity distribution.
The initiative also reflects the growing importance of international knowledge-sharing and capacity building as India’s power distribution sector adopts advanced digital technologies.
Cybersecurity Gains Importance With Grid Modernisation
India’s power distribution sector is undergoing significant digital transformation, with utilities adopting technologies such as smart meters and other advanced digital systems.
As these systems become more interconnected, cybersecurity is increasingly linked to the reliability and resilience of critical power infrastructure.
The PFC-led workshop sought to strengthen awareness of these challenges and support distribution companies in developing more resilient approaches to cybersecurity, while also addressing the protection of Critical Information Infrastructure.
About PFC
Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power. Established in 1986, PFC is a major financial institution supporting India’s power sector and provides financial assistance and related services for power generation, transmission and distribution projects.
Read also: PFC 40th AGM: REC Merger, FY26 Performance, Borrowing Strategy and Future Growth Plans in Focus
