This policy brief presents the Interoperability Maturity Index (IMI), a scientific framework for assessing the digital infrastructure readiness of India’s 52 Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) to participate in the Indian Electricity Stack (IES). The IMI evaluates seven technology layers – IT, OT, Smart Metering, Enterprise, Cybersecurity, GIS, and Skilled Workforce using standardized maturity and integration scales aligned with international frameworks including SGAM (IEC 62559), ISA-95, and India’s Smart Grid Readiness Self-Assessment Tool (SGR-SAT).

The framework addresses critical pain points encountered in RDSS implementation, with particular emphasis on smart metering as a distinct domain, GIS-based asset management, qualified workforce availability, and cybersecurity governance including qualified CISO appointments.

Authors

Rishabh Jain (FSR Global) & Rajiv Pharlia (PFC)