Landmark Appointment in Punjab Power Sector
Harsharan Kaur Trehan Marks Historic Board Entry at PSPCL: Harsharan Kaur Trehan has been appointed as Director (Commercial) of PSPCL, becoming the first woman technocrat to reach board level in the corporation. The appointment order was issued on 20 February 2026 by the Punjab Government. She assumed charge at the corporation’s headquarters in Patiala for a two-year tenure.
This development marks a significant step in strengthening women’s representation in India’s public sector utilities. The order specifies that she will not continue beyond the age of 65 years.
Static GK fact: PSPCL (Punjab State Power Corporation Limited) was formed in 2010 after the unbundling of the Punjab State Electricity Board under the Electricity Act, 2003.
Professional Journey and Technical Expertise
Trehan began her career in 1987 as an Assistant Engineer in the erstwhile Punjab State Electricity Board. Over nearly four decades, she handled diverse assignments in transmission design, substation design, hydel projects, thermal plant operations, and regulatory functions.
In May 2021, she became the first woman Engineer-in-Chief in PSPCL, heading the Material Management wing. Although she retired in October 2022, her reappointment at the board level demonstrates recognition of her administrative and technical expertise.
Her experience spans both engineering and commercial operations, making her suitable for leading revenue and consumer-related functions.
Static GK Tip: The Electricity Act, 2003 is a landmark reform that introduced competition, unbundling of state electricity boards, and establishment of regulatory commissions.
Contributions to Regulatory and Commercial Reforms
As Deputy Chief Engineer (Regulation), Trehan contributed to refining the Supply Code, commercial regulations, and electricity supply manuals. These frameworks govern billing standards, consumer grievance mechanisms, and compliance requirements.
During her tenure as Engineer-in-Chief (Material Management), she supervised procurement operations exceeding ₹1,000 crore annually. Her focus was on transparency, efficiency, and cost optimization in power utility management.
Her background in regulation and procurement aligns with her current role, which emphasizes billing efficiency, revenue enhancement, and regulatory compliance.
Significance for Gender Representation
Power utilities in India have traditionally seen limited female representation at top decision-making levels. Trehan’s elevation signals gradual change in the governance of technical public sector undertakings.
Her appointment is expected to encourage more women engineers to aspire for leadership roles in infrastructure and energy sectors. It also reflects the broader push toward inclusive governance in state-run enterprises.
Static GK fact: Punjab shares its borders with Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the international border with Pakistan. The state’s energy demand is driven by agriculture and industry.
Administrative Context
The appointment follows the resignation of the former Director (Commercial) in August 2025, after which additional charge was managed internally. The new appointment ensures stability in PSPCL’s commercial operations at a crucial time of financial restructuring and consumer service reforms.
Her two-year tenure is expected to focus on strengthening revenue management and enhancing service delivery mechanisms.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Harsharan Kaur Trehan Marks Historic Board Entry at PSPCL:
| Topic | Detail |
| Appointee | Harsharan Kaur Trehan |
| Position | Director (Commercial), PSPCL |
| Appointment Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Tenure | Two years |
| First Achievement | First woman technocrat at PSPCL board level |
| Joined Service | 1987 |
| First Woman Engineer-in-Chief | 2021 |
| PSPCL Headquarters | Patiala, Punjab |
