Leadership Changes Announced for Punjab Power Utilities Amid Peak Load Management

Gurkirat has assumed additional charges as principal secretary, power, and principal secretary, new and renewable energy sources, while retaining his role as principal secretary, social security, women and child development. He takes over from Garg, a 2005-batch IAS officer, who had held the power department and CMD posts since late 2025. Garg has been reassigned as administrative secretary for industries and commerce, with additional responsibilities for investment promotion and the promotion of the information technology industry.

The leadership transition at Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL) occurs as the utilities manage significant seasonal power demands. Challenges faced by the utilities include fuel management for thermal plants and balancing the tariff subsidy mechanism with fiscal stabilization. These changes come amidst public concerns regarding power cuts affecting industrial, domestic, and agricultural sectors.

KEC International Secures New Orders Valued at Rs 13.03 Billion

KEC International Limited has secured new orders worth Rs 13.03 billion. These orders span the company's transmission and distribution (T&D) business and its cables and conductors business.

The T&D segment's new orders include projects across India, the Middle East, and the Americas. Specific projects mentioned are a 400 kV transmission line in northern India and 380 kV transmission line projects in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the company received orders for the supply of towers, hardware, and poles within the Americas.

The cables and conductors business also secured various orders from both domestic customers in India and international markets.

Central Electricity Authority Releases Report on SCADA System Indigenization

Report Highlights SCADA System Importance

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released a committee report titled "Formulation of Trajectory of Indigenisation of SCADA System." This document underscores the critical role of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems in the electricity sector. SCADA systems are essential for the real-time monitoring and control of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution networks.

Recommendations for Indigenization

The report proposes the establishment of a formal institutional framework to spearhead the indigenization of SCADA systems. This framework would encompass various aspects, including the testing of indigenous SCADA solutions, the development of new models, and the creation of funding mechanisms. The overarching goal is to fortify the existing grid management infrastructure through these initiatives.

Furthermore, the report recommends the implementation of pilot projects at State Load Despatch Centers (SLDC), Regional Load Despatch Centers (RLDC), and the National Load Despatch Center (NLDC). These pilot projects are intended to demonstrate, field-test, and validate indigenous SCADA/Energy Management System (EMS) software and hardware. The validation process will involve integrating these new systems with existing infrastructure to ensure compatibility and ascertain their suitability for broader deployment across the electricity grid.