India is poised to take a significant leap in its energy sector with the commencement of pilot projects centered around peer-to-peer (P2P) power trading, enabled by the India Energy Stack (IES). This initiative marks a crucial step towards a more transparent, reliable, and efficient energy ecosystem.
The India Energy Stack taskforce has identified inter-state P2P power trading as its first pilot use case. REC Limited is inviting Technology Solution Providers (TSPs) to participate in the pilot, which focuses on inter-state P2P energy trading. Participation is voluntary. The pilot program is part of an accelerator initiative designed to showcase the practical application of the India Energy Stack. Pilot DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) have been requested to adopt and operationalize inter-state P2P power trading using the APIs and specifications finalized under the IES framework, signifying a transition from theoretical design to real-world testing. The India Energy Stack project is scheduled to be completed by July 2026.
The IES is a digital public infrastructure designed to identify and connect stakeholders and assets, thereby facilitating open data exchange in the power system through uniform specifications and standards. The pilot aims to deploy IES specifications for an inter-state P2P trading workflow by testing end-to-end interoperability. This includes consent-based data exchange, standard payloads, auditability, and integration with utility and market-relevant systems. Selected TSPs will be required to build or adapt a P2P trading platform and integrate it with an interstate P2P network compliant with IES specs.
The P2P trading model offers a middle ground between Net Metering and Gross Metering. A previous P2P trading trial concluded in early 2023 showed that participants saved roughly 40 INR per month without any DER investment. Prosumers had the opportunity to optimize their solar production for trading, setting prices to achieve a higher return on investment; the average prosumer savings amounted to around 900 INR per month in comparison to Gross Metering. The DISCOM gained visibility to supply and demand for the local distribution area, using price signals to balance without physical intervention, giving the potential to defer network augmentation.
These pilot projects hold the potential to revolutionize the power sector by empowering consumers and prosumers, and improving grid management. The Uttar Pradesh government has already introduced blockchain technology to its rooftop solar power segment and amended its regulatory framework to enable controlled peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading in India.
REC Limited has set an onboarding date for Technology Solution Providers (TSPs) on January 17, 2026, with final delivery expected by February 5, 2026. TSPs with expertise in power markets, digital platforms, energy systems, and fintech are encouraged to participate. Participants should be able to integrate with utility systems via open APIs, support consent-based data exchange, and build a trading platform for consumers and prosumers.
