Punjab Government Appoints Harsharan Kaur Trehan as PSPCL Director for Two-Year Tenure
The Punjab government's power department has officially appointed Harsharan Kaur Trehan as the new director (commercial) of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). According to official orders, her tenure is set for two years, bringing a wealth of experience to the role. Trehan assumed charge at the corporation's headquarters in Patiala on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in her distinguished career.
Extensive Experience in the Power Sector
Trehan has been serving in the power sector for over 35 years, with a career that spans various critical assignments. She is the daughter of the late Mohinder Singh, a former engineer-in-chief, and retired in October 2022 as engineer-in-chief (material management). At the time of her retirement, she was the senior-most officer of both PSPCL and the Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL), highlighting her leadership and expertise.
Key Contributions and Achievements
Throughout her career, Trehan handled numerous important assignments, including work in transmission and thermal design, such as projects related to the Ropar Thermal Plant, hydel design, and the Investment Promotion Cell. She played a leading role in executing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and power purchase agreements (PPAs), covering both non-renewable and renewable energy segments. Her nearly five-year tenure as deputy chief engineer (regulation) included significant contributions to refining the supply code, commercial regulations, and ESIM frameworks, which are crucial for operational efficiency.
Leadership in Procurement and Transparency
As chief engineer and engineer-in-chief (material management), Trehan oversaw procurement operations with an annual outlay exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. She maintained a strong reputation for transparency and efficiency, ensuring that all processes were conducted with integrity. Her performance record was consistently rated as "Outstanding" throughout her service career, underscoring her dedication and competence.
Historic Appointment as First Woman Director
Trehan's appointment is historic, as she becomes the first woman director in PSPCL's history, according to power engineers. This milestone reflects the Punjab government's commitment to promoting diversity and recognizing merit in leadership roles. After assuming charge, Trehan expressed gratitude to the Punjab government for the confidence placed in her and pledged to work with full dedication to strengthen the corporation's commercial performance while ensuring improved services for consumers.
Expected Impact on PSPCL Operations
Officials have described her appointment as a blend of institutional experience and leadership continuity. It is expected to further enhance PSPCL's commercial operations and consumer-oriented initiatives, leveraging her extensive background to drive progress. With her proven track record and strategic vision, Trehan is poised to make significant contributions to the power sector in Punjab, fostering growth and efficiency in the years ahead.
