Energy Insights and Innovation Lab (EIIL): open call for research ideas

We're looking for high-quality economics and related social science research that answers practical questions in the Indian power sector, especially on demand, consumer behaviour, and utility performance. 

We welcome randomized evaluations, quasi-experimental designs, observational studies, and rigorous analytics that can credibly inform decisions.

Illustrative topics include: 

• Demand-side management and load flexibility
• Tariff design
• Consumer behaviour and technology adoption 
• Cooling demand
• EV charging
• Renewables integration
• Service quality and customer engagement
• Data/AI applications for forecasting and programme targeting

Research proposals must meet these baseline requirements:

1. Research quality: a clear question and credible empirical approach (including a plausible identification strategy where relevant).
2. Fit with EIIL: the project either uses EIIL/Tata Power data, or is implementable with Tata Power (or a similar utility setting) with a clear plan for data access/generation.
3. Decision relevance: a clear utility or policy decision the work will inform.
4. Feasibility: a realistic timeline and implementation plan.

Support varies by project, but may include: access to anonymised datasets (subject to approvals/governance); workspace and administrative support in Mumbai; coordination with Tata Power staff (where relevant); limited technical support on analytics/visualisation; and dissemination support.

EIIL is primarily set up to provide data access, coordination, and a collaboration platform, rather than to fund full academic projects by default. Where funding is available, it will be limited and targeted (e.g., research assistance, travel, or implementation costs) and agreed case-by-case during the review process. We will be clear with shortlisted teams about what EIIL can and cannot cover, including expectations around PI time/fees.

EIIL also expects to support a small number of early-career fellows (PhD students and postdocs). Support will be up to £5,000 (indicative), and fellows are expected to be based at EIIL in Mumbai for a minimum period (e.g., at least four weeks). Fellows should propose a defined project using EIIL data and/or developed in close coordination with Tata Power staff.

If applying for a fellowship, please indicate this clearly in the research proposal.

We expect to run a staged process:

1. Submit a research proposal
2. Screening and shortlisting by EIIL, with input from the EIIL advisory group
3. Full proposal development with shortlisted teams (including data access, implementation, governance, and any support package)

We will assess research proposals based on: research design quality; policy and operational relevance; data feasibility and implementation practicality; fit with EIIL priorities and potential for transferable learning; and plans for dissemination and stakeholder engagement.

Data access will be subject to appropriate agreements and governance (anonymisation, privacy, and secure access arrangements). The feasibility of remote access may depend on the nature of the data and applicable policy/legal constraints.