Shri Heeralal Nagar
Hon’ble Minister of State for Energy
Government of Rajasthan

Shri Heeralal Nagar is an accomplished public administrator currently serving as the Minister of State for the Energy in the Government of Rajasthan. Since assuming leadership of the Energy Department in December 2023, Shri Nagar has been the principal architect behind Rajasthan’s ongoing power sector transformation, steering the state toward energy self-sufficiency, operational efficiency, and modern grid resilience.

At the helm of Rajasthan’s power sector, Shri Nagar directly oversees the state's generation and transmission utilities alongside its three major distribution utilities. His tenure has been marked by a decisive push to strengthen last-mile delivery and revitalize the financial and operational health of the state's DISCOMs. He has spearheaded the accelerated execution of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) across Rajasthan, focusing intensively on curbing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses; and ensured reliable, uninterrupted power supply across diverse geographical terrains.

Shri Nagar has positioned Rajasthan’s distribution framework at the forefront of the clean energy transition. Under his guidance, the state is rapidly expanding rooftop solar adoption and executing massive feeder-level solarization under schemes like PM-KUSUM, fundamentally transforming agricultural power delivery by providing daytime electricity to farmers while reducing cross-subsidy burdens on the DISCOMs.

Through strategic investment partnerships with central public sector undertakings and private energy developers, Shri Heeralal Nagar continues to build a future-ready, financially viable, and consumer-centric power distribution ecosystem in Rajasthan.

Aayush Agarwal
Co-founder and CTO
WorkOnGrid

Aayush Agarwal is the co-founder and CTO of WorkOnGrid, the AI-native operations intelligence platform for utilities. He leads product, engineering and the technology architecture of Grid. Aayush brings over a decade of experience from LogMeIn and Citrix, where he worked on data infrastructure and systems built to operate reliably at massive scale.

Abhishek Srivastava
Head – Data Analytics
Power Foundation of India

Abhishek Srivastava is a technology and digital transformation expert with over 25 years of experience across government, public health, and corporate sectors. An alumnus of IIM Calcutta and a Computer Science Engineering graduate, he has held key positions at NHSRC, PHFI, Aditya Birla Group, and other leading organizations, advancing innovation, governance, cybersecurity, data management, and digital transformation initiatives.

Ajoy Rajani
Chair – ISGF Working Group on IoT, AI and Analytics

Ajoy Rajani is a pioneer and visionary in the field of smart metering and loT solutions, bringing over three decades of innovative contributions to the technology and business sectors. Throughout his career, he has introduced groundbreaking advancements, including India's first PLC meter and smart meter, setting new standards in how utilities manage and measure electricity. His contributions extend to deploying the first Automated Meter Reading (AMR) systems across major Indian cities and introducing broadband over powerline technology, significantly enhancing utility operations and customer engagement. He has worked with global utilities and solution providers, enabling cross-border collaborations and adapting smart metering solutions for diverse regulatory and infrastructural environments. Mr. Rajani's enduring commitment to innovation and strategic leadership has firmly established him as a transformative force in the technology sector. Currently, as the Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director of CyanConnode India, Mr. Rajani leverages his extensive experience to advance global smart technology solutions, positioning CyanConnode at the forefront of the industry while continuing to innovate and inspire.

A. K. Saxena
Senior Director
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

Mr. A. K. Saxena is Senior Director and leads the Electricity and Renewables Division at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). With over four decades of experience in the power and renewable energy sectors, he has held senior positions with the Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power, and Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), where he also served as Chair/Convenor of various committees. His expertise spans grid management, energy transition, just transition, smart grids and distribution, energy storage, e-mobility, demand-side management, and cross-border electricity trade. He holds master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Business Administration and is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India), a member of IEEE, and a member of the Global Energy Prize International Award Committee.

Alekhya Datta
Director – Electricity and RE Division (ERD)
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

Mr. Alekhya Datta is an Electrical engineer with Postgraduate Masters and having more than 14 years of research-cum consulting experience in the area of renewable energy, distributed energy resources, smart grids, energy storage, and electric vehicles. He has undertaken various power system related modelling studies including integrated resource planning both at national and state-levels for high renewable energy pathways. He has actively engaged with many of the power distribution utilities, implementing agencies and other key stakeholders for implementation of new emerging smart distribution technologies and solutions.

Mr. Datta has closely worked with diverse set of stakeholders including state departments, nodal agencies, central ministries, various international, bilateral, and multilateral agencies, and philanthropic organizations for policy advocacy, fund raising and technical assistance support. He has also published many peer-reviewed research papers and articles both in national and international forums.

Alok Kumar
Director General
All India Discoms Association (AIDA)

He had 35 years long career in public policy and economic development in India's premier federal civil service (IAS) reaching up to distinguished position of Secretary in federal government with extensive experience in electricity, renewable energy, energy transition, infrastructure development and skill development domains. He has played a key role in formulation and implementation of several national/state level policies, programmes and regulatory interventions. During 2021 - 2023, he successfully managed the operations of India's power system, one of the largest in the world, along with steering wide-ranging sectoral reforms. As an expert, he chaired the Inter-Ministerial Working Group set up by NITI Aayog in 2024 to develop power sector pathway to achieve Net Zero commitment by India.

He obtained bachelor's degree in civil engineering from IIT Roorkee in 1983, and Master of Business Administration (Finance Business Administration) from National Open University in 2009. Authored the book "Electricity Sector in India- Policy and Regulation" published by Oxford University Press in 2012, and has been writing regularly on energy related topics for business publications in India.

Amit Tomar
Head – Engineering
BSES Yamuna Power Limited

Amit Tomar has been working in Reliance group for more than 22+ years. He joined Reliance group in the year 2004, since then he has been the part of transformation journey of the organization. In his career, he has worked in different portfolio includes EPC Project, O&M Project, Business Development & Consultancy project (Overseas Project Ethiopia, Ghana, Domestic project --UHBVN), Business (New Connections) & Central Engg. in R-Infra, BRPL & BYPL. His major contribution in the organisation was in the development of New innovation in the field of Network Reliability & improvement, Automation, Loss reduction drive.

He has worked extensively in developing New innovation, Processes Improvement. Reducing TAT of Material Procurement, O&M/P&C coordination for Capex & Opex.

Presently he is heading Central Engg. Services in BSES Yamuna Power Ltd.

Anand Budholia
President – IT & Group CIO
BRPL & BYPL Delhi

Anand Budholia serves as the President – IT & Group CIO at BRPL & BYPL Delhi, a joint venture between Reliance Infrastructure Limited and the Government of NCT of Delhi. With over 35 years of techno-commercial experience in utilities, power, and manufacturing sectors, he brings unparalleled expertise to his role.

As President – IT & Group CIO, Mr. Budholia drives Group BSES Delhi's digital transformation journey, strengthening IT systems for smarter and more resilient power distribution. His three decades of technology leadership experience have enabled him to successfully spearhead numerous enterprise-wide initiatives across various sectors.

Before joining BSES Delhi, Mr. Budholia held key positions, including Joint President & CIO at MP Birla Group, and Senior Vice President & CIO at Reliance Group/Reliance Power.

During his tenure, he led critical projects such as SAP ERP implementations & IS-U-CCS, large-scale IT infrastructure rollouts, business intelligence programs & digital initiatives powered by AI/ML, and disaster recovery frameworks.

A distinguished alumnus of NIT Allahabad, Mr. Budholia holds a Master's degree in Software Engineering. He is widely recognized for his expertise in digital transformation, ERP, analytics, enterprise IT, and digital strategy.

Mr. Budholia's contributions extend beyond his organizational roles, serving as a jury member for NEXT100 and actively participating in industry forums like the India Smart Grid Forum. Through his leadership and vision, he drives innovation and excellence in the IT domain, making significant contributions to the industry.

Aneesh Thomas
Associate Director MV
Eaton Power Quality India

Aneesh Thomas leads Power Distribution Assembly Medium Voltage Switchgear at Eaton Power Quality India, bringing 25 years of rich expertise from global industry leaders ABB, Siemens, and Larsen & Toubro.

A pioneer in sustainable power technologies, he champions the development of SF6-free switching technologies and environmentally responsible alternatives for medium voltage power distribution. Through his work at Eaton, he actively contributes to India's vision of energy self-reliance, focusing on innovative solutions that align with the nation's commitment to sustainable power infrastructure.

Anil Daulani
Senior Partner
PeLocal Fintech

Anil Daulani is a transformational business leader with over 30 years of experience across technology, utilities, digital infrastructure and deep-tech-led transformation. He has a proven track record of driving business turnarounds, growth and building scalable digital platforms.

He has held senior leadership positions at HCL, Tech Mahindra and CyanConnode, with responsibilities spanning P&L management, global sales, business strategy, partnerships and operations.

His expertise spans power distribution transformation, smart metering, utility communications, AI-led platforms, consumer engagement and digital payments. His work focuses on leveraging technology to improve utility performance, operational efficiency and consumer experience, closely aligning with ISGF's mission to advance smart grids and digital transformation.

Currently associated with PeLocal Fintech, Anil focuses on scaling conversational AI, WhatsApp-led digital services and embedded payments across utilities and government citizen services.

He combines strategic vision, commercial acumen and execution excellence to deliver technology-led transformation at scale.

Anil Kumar P
Director
Enspar Sustainability Pvt Ltd

Anil Kumar P is the Director of Enspar Sustainability Pvt Ltd, bringing over four decades of expertise in power engineering. He holds a BSc (Engineering) degree in Electrical Engineering with First Class Honors from the Regional Engineering College (now NIT), Calicut, earned in 1980. He began his career with specialized training in Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Training School of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai. He went on to hold key middle and senior management positions at Nuclear Power Corporation, Tata Electric, ASEA (ABB), Voltas (a Tata company), and Rockwell Automation, working across power generation (nuclear, thermal, and hydro), power quality, substation SCADA, and automation systems.

For the past 35 years, Anil has been a leading entrepreneur and technocrat in the field of Power Quality, both in India and internationally. He has completed more than 2,500 power quality studies and power system analyses, delivering solutions across industries such as semiconductors, cement, metals, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals, as well as infrastructure sectors including airports, power utilities, metro rail, and renewable energy. His work spans India, ASEAN nations, South Korea, Taiwan, the Middle East, and South America. He is a member of the Power Quality Committees of the IEC and BIS, and serves as an advisor on grid compliance, power system modeling, and renewable energy integration.

Anil Narayan Raghav
Professor, Department of Physics
University of Mumbai

Prof. (Dr.) Anil Narayan Raghav is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Mumbai, I/c Deputy Director of the Centre for Excellence in Theoretical and Computational Science (CETACS), and Founder & Director of SpaceProbe Pvt. Ltd., a DPIT-recognised deep-tech venture incubated at the University of Mumbai. With over 17 years of experience in Space Physics and Space Weather research, he has authored more than 60 international peer-reviewed publications on solar wind dynamics, interplanetary magnetic structures, geomagnetic storms, and solar-terrestrial coupling. His research combines in-situ plasma observations with applied space-weather science to improve understanding of the Sun-Earth system and its impact on satellites, navigation, communication, aviation, and critical infrastructure. He has contributed to national and international scientific initiatives, including SCOSTEP activities and ISRO-formed space-science roadmap and solar-terrestrial physics committees. Through SpaceProbe, he is advancing indigenous technologies for satellite drag and Space Domain Awareness (SDA), aviation radiation assessment, power-grid GIC resilience, and GNSS-based positioning and timing analytics, driven by the vision of creating a platform where curiosity meets learning, ideas meet innovation, and creativity meets technology.

Anil Rawal
MD & CEO
IntelliSmart Infrastructure

Mr Anil Rawal is the MD and CEO of IntelliSmart Infrastructure Private Limited. He is an ex-civil services officer of 1996 Batch and has more than 27 years of leadership experience across both Corporate and Government organisations. He is an IIM, Ahmadabad alumnus of the 2007 batch and has since been working with corporates, particularly in the Power sector.

In 2025, Economic Times conferred him with the ET Impactful Trailblazer CEO award. IntelliSmart, under his leadership, has pioneered the smart metering program in the country, triggering large scale private investments in digitalization of the power distribution sector.

IntelliSmart was honoured with the 'Energy Company of the Year - Power (Small Cap)' in 2025 at the Economic Times Energy Leadership Awards.

Anish Kalucha
CIO and Head of IT Automation
Noida Power Company Limited

Anish Kalucha is the CIO and Head of IT & Automation at Noida Power Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of the RPSG Group. With over 30 years of extensive experience in IT and technology in the power sector, including 7 years as the CIO & Head of IT at BSES Yamuna Power Ltd. (BYPL), Anish brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his current role. At NPCL, Anish plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's IT and digital strategy, focusing on customer engagement, product transformation, employee empowerment, and operational optimization. He is also driving innovation in analytics, IoT, robotic process automation, AI, Gen AI, and smart grids.

Arti Dogra
Secretary-Energy, Rajasthan and CMD - JVVNL

Ms. Arti Dogra, IAS, is a 2006-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Rajasthan cadre, currently serving as Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Rajasthan, Chairman of Rajasthan DISCOMs, and Managing Director of Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL). She has held several key administrative positions in Rajasthan, including Secretary to the Chief Minister, District Collector and District Magistrate of Bundi, Bikaner and Ajmer, and Managing Director of Jodhpur DISCOM. She holds a B.A. (Honours) in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, and a postgraduate degree in Economics from the University of Garhwal. During her tenure as District Collector of Bikaner, she led the Banko Bikano campaign to improve sanitation and eliminate open defecation. With experience spanning public administration, governance and power distribution, she contributes to the administration and oversight of Rajasthan's energy sector and electricity distribution utilities.

Avinash Kumar
AVP
BSES Rajdhani Power Limited

Avinash Kumar serves as the Assistant Vice President at BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL). With over 25 years of extensive experience in the Indian power sector, he is a seasoned leader in grid modernization and utility distribution strategies. His career, which began at Reliance Infrastructure Limited, spans the full lifecycle of power infrastructure---from commissioning and operating generation stations to spearheading data-driven efficiency programs that transform urban power distribution. At the forefront of utility innovation, Mr. Kumar has led the execution of landmark technological projects, most notably India's first utility-scale, standalone 20 MW/40 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). His work focuses on integrating cutting-edge analytics with consumer-centric solutions, including behavioral energy efficiency and automated demand response for residential and commercial sectors.

Bhagyasree Nair
Energy Advisor
GIZ

Bhagyasree is an Energy Advisor at GIZ India, where she leads and contributes to various initiatives in the areas of energy storage and e-mobility. Holding a master’s degree in Power Systems Engineering, her work focuses on policy and regulatory frameworks, technical research on battery energy storage systems, EV charging infrastructure, and the integration of circular economy principles in energy and renewable sectors. She has played a key role in collaborative projects with major national ministries such as the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), NITI Aayog, and other government stakeholders, supporting both policy development and implementation on the ground. Prior to joining GIZ, she worked as a lecturer and remains committed to knowledge sharing, capacity building, and continuous learning to support India’s clean energy transition.

Brajesh Kumar
Chief Executive Officer
Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited

Mr. Brajesh Kumar is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL), an RP-Sanjiv Goenka (RPSG) Group company. With over 30 years of professional experience, he has held leadership positions across diverse sectors, including aluminium, steel, telecommunications and power distribution, contributing significantly to business growth, operational excellence and strategic development.

Prior to his appointment at CPDL, Mr. Kumar served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Senior Executive Vice President at BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), where he played a key role in reducing distribution losses, driving digital transformation, enhancing consumer services and promoting emerging technologies such as rooftop solar, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and smart metering.

Mr. Kumar began his professional career in sales and marketing with leading organisations, including Hindalco (Aditya Birla Group), Sterlite (Vedanta Group) and Jindal Steel and Power, before transitioning to the power sector. He holds an MBA from the Delhi Productivity Council.

Known for his strong business acumen, customer-centric approach and understanding of emerging technologies, Mr. Kumar brings expertise in strategic planning, business development, market expansion and proactive leadership. His experience encompasses engagement with a wide range of stakeholders and customer segments, including electrical original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the automotive and consumer goods industries, EV charging point operators (CPOs) and retail trade networks.

Under his leadership, CPDL is positioned to leverage his extensive experience in power distribution, digitalisation and customer service to strengthen operational performance and advance technology-driven electricity distribution in Chandigarh.

Chetan Pathak
Director – Strategy & Growth
IESA

Chetan Pathak is an energy-transition strategy and policy professional with over 14 years of experience at the intersection of renewable energy, power-system transformation, emerging technologies, digitalization, and energy-transition policy. He has extensive experience advising governments, utilities, industry stakeholders, and senior leadership on strategic initiatives, regulatory frameworks, policy advocacy, and business growth across the clean energy ecosystem. In his current role as Director – Strategy & Growth at the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) and through his association with Customized Energy Solutions (CES), he focuses on advancing strategic initiatives in renewable energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS), green hydrogen, and critical minerals. His work emphasizes policy advocacy, regulatory engagement, market intelligence, and stakeholder collaboration to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy technologies and strengthen India's clean energy ecosystem.

Chetan Singh Adhikari
Director - BD (Utilities)
REConnect Energy Solutions Ltd.

Mr. Chetan Adhikari, the answer lies at the intersection of energy expertise, digital intelligence, and strong partnerships. With over 15 years in the power and energy sector, he has worked across renewable energy forecasting, power markets, grid operations, and utility digital transformation.

From REMC and SAMAST solutions to predictive analytics and smart grid initiatives, Mr. Chetan focuses on helping utilities and energy businesses solve practical challenges and advance India's clean energy transition.

C. Nallasivan
Assistant Executive Engineer
Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited

Er. C. Nallasivan, M.E., M.I.E., (Ph.D.) is a Power System Engineer with over 20 years of experience in the Indian power sector, currently with the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNP DCL), where he works on Open Access Automated Meter Reading, renewable energy monitoring, and utility digitalization. He is a Ph.D. Research Scholar at Anna University, Chennai, researching Grid-Forming Inverters, Battery Energy Storage Systems, and grid stability in renewable-dominant power systems. He is a member of award-winning teams recognized with the SKOCH Silver Award 2022, ISGF Diamond Award 2023, and India Wind Energy Forum Leadership Award 2023 for renewable energy AMR implementation, and has presented his research internationally, including at the 24th Wind & Solar Integration Workshop (WISO 2025) in Berlin. He is a member of IEEE, the Institution of Engineers (India), IET (UK), and CIGRE.

Deepti Mathur
SE
Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited

Ms. Deepti Mathur, SE, JVVNL, is a power distribution professional with over 30 years of experience in energy efficiency, renewable energy integration and decarbonisation. A pioneer in Agriculture Demand Side Management and pump efficiency in India, she has extensive expertise in implementing energy efficiency projects across agricultural, industrial and domestic sectors. She has played a key role in implementing rooftop solar, the PM-KUSUM scheme and the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme of BEE, while contributing to IT initiatives and renewable energy integration for grid stability. As Head of the Rural Electrification Department, she is committed to improving rural livelihoods through reliable, quality power supply, promoting Distributed Energy Resources and reducing T&D losses. Her vision aligns with India’s Net Zero goals, women’s empowerment, climate action and sustainable rural development.

Dwijadas Basak
Chief Executive Officer
Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited

Dwijdas Basak is a seasoned leader in the power distribution sector with over three decades of experience, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL). An electrical engineering graduate from B.E. College, Calcutta University, he has held diverse leadership roles across the Tata Power Group. His extensive career includes serving as the CEO of TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL), Chief of the Odisha Distribution Business, and Chief Operating Officer at TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPCODL). Furthermore, he brings international exposure to his role, having contributed to power distribution operations in both India and Brazil, alongside significant prior experience at Tata Power-DDL in areas such as customer experience, commercial strategy, and government affairs. In his current capacity as CEO of TPDDL, Mr. Basak is dedicated to driving operational excellence and customer-centric digital transformation for a utility serving approximately 9 million consumers in North and North-West Delhi.

Gajanan S. Kale
Chief Executive Officer
TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited

Mr. Gajanan S. Kale is the Chief Executive Officer of TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), a joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of Odisha. He also leads the Odisha Distribution Business, overseeing the strategic direction and performance of Tata Power's four distribution companies in the state.

With over 35 years of experience in the power and energy sector, Mr. Kale has held several senior leadership positions across Tata Power and other leading organisations. Prior to his current role, he served as CEO of TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL), Tata Power-DDL, TP Ajmer Distribution Ltd. (TPADL) and TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL). He began his career with BHEL, Bhopal, and subsequently held key positions with Central Railway, Nagpur Division and Tata Power Mumbai Distribution.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Kale has led large-scale transformation and business improvement initiatives, with extensive expertise in operational excellence, customer experience, resource planning and management, project management, digital transformation and stakeholder management. In his current role, he is driving the transformation of power distribution in Odisha with a strong focus on customer-centricity, technology adoption, operational excellence and sustainable growth.

His leadership has been recognised through several accolades, including the "Best CEO of the Year with HR Orientation" and "Best CEO of the Year" award for FY 2023-24.

An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, Mr. Kale holds an M.Tech in Integrated Power Systems and brings a strong combination of technical expertise, business leadership and extensive experience in the power distribution sector.

With his experience across the power distribution value chain and his current leadership of Odisha's distribution business, Mr. Kale brings a practical and strategic perspective on power sector transformation, customer-centric distribution, technology-led operations and building future-ready utilities.

Ghanshyam Prasad
Chairperson
Central Electricity Authority (CEA)

Shri Ghanshyam Prasad is the Chairman of Central Electricity Authority and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India, ex-officio Member of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) since July 2022. He is a seasoned power sector expert with over 30 years of experience in generation, transmission, distribution, power market development, regulatory affairs, and energy efficiency. He has also contributed significantly to policy reforms, grid modernization, disaster management, and digital transformation in the power sector. Shri Prasad has served in the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) for six years, leading the development of new regulations. His corporate experience includes serving as Government Nominee Director for PGCIL, POSOCO, and J&KPDCL. He currently serves as a Director on the Board of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) in an ex-officio capacity.

Hemant Verma
Chairman
Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission

Sri Hemant Verma assumed charge as Chairman of the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission on 22 September 2025. He brings with him over 35 years of distinguished and exemplary experience in the power sector, marked by leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to regulatory and institutional development.

During his illustrious career, Sri Verma has held several key positions in leading power sector institutions, including the Central Electricity Authority, Delhi Vidyut Board, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, and as Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission. His extensive experience spans power system planning, distribution reforms, regulatory affairs, renewable energy, and consumer service enhancement.

Over the course of his career, he has led several significant initiatives in AT&C loss reduction, integration of renewable energy, demand-side management, and consumer-focused digital service delivery. His strategic vision, administrative acumen, and reform-oriented approach have contributed substantially to strengthening efficiency, sustainability, and governance within the power sector.

As Chairman of TERC, Sri Verma continues to provide visionary leadership in advancing regulatory reforms, strengthening consumer interests, and promoting sustainable, reliable, and efficient energy development in Tripura.

Jaideep Singh
Advisor - Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement
Radius Synergies International Pvt. Ltd.

Jaideep has an experience of more than 35 years in the corporate environment spanning across Power Energy Telecom and Real Estate. While working with companies like Crompton Greaves, Schneider Electric, Havells, Schlumberger and Union Unitech, contributed significantly to their growth story by successfully delivering strategic businesses that most would have written off.

Having successfully surfed the peaks and troughs of a cyclical economic environment with an experience of such a diverse portfolio. His latest venture as playing an advisory role and investments in tech-start ups has taken prominence, especially those with innovative IoT solutions powered by AI/ML platforms focused towards creating an impact in the energy space.

Jitendra Nalwaya
Director – Technical
PuVVNL

Jitendra Nalwaya is a seasoned power sector leader with over 32 years of extensive professional experience across India. Currently, he serves as Director, overseeing technical and power systems for one of a DISCOM in Uttar Pradesh, where he manages the power distribution landscape across 21 districts, serving 11 Million consumer base. Previously, Jitendra spearheaded the Sustainability and Clean Technology vertical at a premier Power Distribution Utility. Over his career, he has built deep expertise in power distribution operations, turnaround management, and transformations across government, private licensee, and franchisee models. His versatile background spans Commercial, Operations & Maintenance (O&M), and Project Management across the Oil & Gas, Power, and Infrastructure sectors. A skilled strategist, Jitendra has a proven track record of managing P&L for large multi-city organizations, driving change management, orchestrating critical infrastructure for mega events like the Mahakumbh, and leading corporate strategy and structural transformations.

Karnati Varun Reddy
Chairman and Managing Director
Northern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited

Sri. Karnati Varun Reddy is an officer of the Indian Administrative Service, 2019 batch, Telangana cadre. Prior to joining the IAS, he served in the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), 2017 batch. He graduated from IIT Bombay in Computer Science & Engineering in 2013 and holds a research patent in cloud computing for an algorithm developed in collaboration with BMC Software.

His administrative career has been anchored in tribal and rural districts of Telangana, where he has led large-scale interventions in nutrition, livelihoods, forest rights, education and enterprise development. He presently heads the Northern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TGNPDCL) as Chairman & Managing Director, providing strategic vision and overall direction to the utility in achieving its corporate objectives.

Kiran Gupta
Chief-Customer Experience, Commercial & Govt. Affairs
Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited

Ms. Kiran Gupta is presently Chief - Customer Experience, Commercial, Govt. Affairs, EAC & Consumer Litigation at Tata Power-DDL. Ms. Gupta spearheads Customer Experience and Commercial functions including Customer Care, New Connection, Attribute Change, Metering, Billing, Revenue Collection, Recovery, Enforcement assessments, Smart Metering, Demand Side Management, and New Business Services. She works closely with the Delhi Government and Regulator to ensure organizational strategic alignment with all stakeholders. She has three decades of experience in the power sector, primarily in power distribution and transmission in India. Her experience spans design engineering and layouts, technical standards, inspections, quality control, supply chain management, operations and enforcement, project execution, commercial and customer services, business excellence, and strategy. She is the first woman executive to lead operations and successfully handle commercial issues, driving enforcement for theft reduction in the area.

Kishore Narang
Founder
Narnix Technologies

Mr Kishore Narang is Technology Advisor, Mentor, Design Strategist & Architect in Electrical, Electronics & ICT with over 48 years of professional experience in education, research, design and advisory running an Independent Design House -- NARNIX since 1981. Over 38 years of hardcore Research and Design Development Experience in Solutions, Systems, Products, Hardware, Software & Firmware (Embedded Software) across diverse technology & application domains, and over 10 years of Strategic Advisory Experience to different segments of business & industry. He has over 500 Research & Design Mentees in the Electronics, ICT & STI (Science Technology & Innovation) Ecosystems. He is Member, Academic Council, IIIT, Surat and D Y Patil International University, Pune; Research Advisor, Institute of Informatics and Communication, University of Delhi & Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women, Delhi; & Member, Academic Committee, Electronics & ICT Academy at National Institute of Technology, Patna.

MAKP Singh
Former Member (Hydro)
Central Electricity Authority (CEA)

M.A.K.P. Singh is a veteran power sector expert who served as Member (Hydro) at the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) until his retirement in June 2024. Throughout his tenure in CEA since 1992, he held pivotal roles including that of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the Ministry of Power. He is widely recognized for his leadership in strengthening OT cyber security within India's power grid, formulating Cyber Security guidelines for Power Sector. He is presently engaged with IIT Kanpur as Visiting Professor of Practice.

Manoj Kumar
Member
Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission

Shri Manoj Kumar is an Hon’ble Member of the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) with extensive experience in power generation, transmission, and project management. A graduate in Electrical Engineering from B.C.E. Patna (now NIT Patna), he retired as Executive Director from SJVN in June 2025. He has led major hydroelectric and thermal power projects, including Nathpa Jhakri, Rampur Hydro Power Station, and Buxar Thermal Power Plant, contributing significantly to operational excellence and infrastructure development.

Manu Srivastava
ACS-RE
Government of Madhya Pradesh

A 1991 batch Indian Administrative Service officer, Manu Srivastava holds B.Tech. and M.Tech. degrees in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi. Out of the 35 years of experience, Manu has worked for 19 years in energy sector, namely, natural gas, electricity, and renewable energy. He has lead path-breaking innovative projects in the field of solar energy. His 750 MW Rewa Project has proved to be an inflection point in the history of solar energy in India: it was the first project in the country to provide solar energy at rates lower than that of coal-based power; this happened in the year 2017. It is the only project in the country supplying power to an institutional customer - Delhi Metro is running on this project – 65% of its daytime demand is met with solar power from Rewa. The project has been awarded World Bank Group’s President’s Award. Case study on the project is being used in Harvard University and Singapore Management University. His recent 2025 Morena Solar-cum-Storage project provides 440 MW of assured peak power for four hours and up to 440 MW of solar power at an astonishingly low rate of ₹2.70/unit, the lowest rate ever achieved in India.

Nilesh Kane
CEO – Transmission Business & Chief – Mumbai Distribution
Tata Power

Dr. Nilesh Kane is currently CEO – Transmission Business & Chief – Mumbai Distribution at Tata Power. He brings over 30 years of diverse experience across generation, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy sectors.

An electrical engineer and alumnus of Harvard Business School and IIM Ahmedabad, he holds an MBA in Energy Management and a PhD in Strategy and Power Management. He is also a certified Energy Auditor (BEE) and a member of various standards committees under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Dr. Kane has been instrumental in steering Tata Power's transmission footprint, expansion strategy and executional excellence in Transmission Projects in India. Under his leadership, Tata Power's Mumbai distribution business became one of the most efficient and reliable utilities.

Nirmal Shaju
Director – Grids of the Future
GEAPP

Nirmal is a Director in Global Energy Alliance’s Scalable Solutions team, focusing on deploying BESS projects in emerging economies. With seven years of experience, he specializes in energy modeling, forecasting, and market development. Previously at Deloitte, he led energy modeling projects for global organizations like the World Bank and USAID.

Payal Saha
GM – Data Centre & Partnership
ReNew

Ms Payal Jhaveri Saha is the GM – Data Centre & Partnership at M/s ReNew, where she drives strategic commercial alliances and project development in the green hydrogen and e-fuels sectors. With extensive expertise spanning carbon commercial markets, business development, and renewable energy strategies, she previously served as Deputy General Manager and Head of Project Development for Green Hydrogen at ReNew, following a successful tenure as Business Head (Carbon) and General Manager of Business Development & Commercial at Sembcorp India. Based in Gurugram, India, Payal is a recognized leader in navigating the energy transition, specializing in scaling clean energy ecosystems through robust corporate partnerships and sustainable market mechanisms.

Pramod Kumar Mishra
Vice President & Chief Transformation Officer
Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited

Mr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, an aluminous of IIT Roorkee and Gorge Town University, USA, having 24 years of transformation experience in Power Distribution. In last two and half decades, he has headed major Power Distribution functions and played pivotal role in multiple transformation projects, nationally and internationally.

With his diverse experience, he is presently heading transformational journey in CPDL as VP & CTO.

Pranav Tayal
Director
Ministry of Power, GoI

Pranav Tayal is a 2011-batch Direct Recruit Indian Police Service (IPS) officer belonging to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre. Hailing from Delhi as his home state, he officially joined the service on December 19, 2011. He is currently serving as a Director in the Ministry of Power, Government of India, a central deputation role he officially assumed in April 2025.

Within the Ministry of Power, Tayal serves as the Head of Office for specific key segments, overseeing the URSI-I, UR&SI-II, and Distribution sections.

Prashant Verma
Director (Commercial)
Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL)

Shri Prashant Verma is Director (Commercial) at Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), a position he has held since April 2025. He brings over 25 years of experience in the power distribution sector, with extensive expertise in commercial operations, distribution loss reduction, digital transformation, and operational efficiency.

An alumnus of IIT Roorkee, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Computer Science and Technology. He also holds an MBA from JMI, New Delhi, and is a Certified Energy Auditor and Certified Energy Manager accredited by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

Prior to joining UPPCL, he held key leadership positions at Delhi Vidyut Board and BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), where he led initiatives in distribution loss reduction, digitalisation of commercial processes, automated meter reading, distribution automation, and implementation of the Intelligent Outage Management System (IOMS) to enhance network visibility and operational efficiency.

At UPPCL, Shri Verma leads commercial operations with a strong focus on smart metering, revenue enhancement, billing and collection efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and digital transformation. He oversees the commercial aspects of UPPCL’s large-scale smart metering programme, supporting improved consumer service, greater transparency, enhanced revenue assurance, and more efficient utility operations.

His professional focus is on leveraging technology, data analytics, and innovative commercial practices to advance the modernisation of power distribution utilities and support India’s vision of a reliable, financially sustainable, and consumer-centric power sector.

Prince Dhawan
Executive Director
REC Limited

Mr. Prince Dhawan, Executive Director, REC Limited and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (REC PDCL, a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Limited), is an IAS officer of the AGMUT Cadre (2012 batch). He holds dual degrees in Electrical Engineering and Information & Communication Technology from IIT Delhi, a Master's degree in Public Administration in International Development from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a Bachelor's in Law. He has served across three State and Union Territory governments and received national and state-level awards for eGovernance and technology-driven public service, notably for his work in Arunachal Pradesh. Before joining REC, he held key assignments including Special Commissioner (GST) and Special Secretary (Finance) in the Government of Delhi.

PR Kumar
MD & CEO
Noida Power Company Limited

Mr. P. R. Kumar has over 38 years of experience in the power sector, including around 15 years in coal- and gas-fired electricity generation and 23 years in electricity transmission and distribution.

An alumnus of VNIT, Nagpur (formerly VREC, Nagpur) and FMS, New Delhi, Mr. Kumar is an Electrical Engineer who subsequently pursued an MBA in Finance, reflecting a blend of engineering capability and corporate financial strategy.

He has served in both Government and private sectors, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) for over seven years. He currently serves on the boards of multiple RP-Sanjiv Goenka (RPSG) Group companies, including Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL), Greater Noida; CESC Rajasthan at Kota (KEDL), Bharatpur (BESL), and Bikaner (BKESL); and Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL), Chandigarh.

Puneet Chitkara
SVP, Strategy
India Energy Exchange (IEX)

Dr. Puneet Chitkara has over 25 years of experience in power system modelling, planning, forecasting, portfolio optimization, transmission pricing, regulatory economics, capacity expansion, and electricity market design. He has advised industries, government ministries, regulators, private equity investors, and international agencies, including the World Bank and USAID. He recently developed STELLAR, a Resource Adequacy model for CEA. His research features in leading international journals, including IEEE Transactions on Power Systems and Applied Energy. An electrical engineer with a Ph.D. in Development Economics, he completed postdoctoral work at the University of Hong Kong (2007) and Johns Hopkins University (2019–2020).

Rahul Kumar
Managing Director
North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited

Rahul Kumar currently serves as Managing Director, North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd., with additional charge of Bihar State Power Transmission Company Ltd. and Bihar Renewable Energy Development Authority. Over his distinguished 14-year career, he has played a pivotal role in implementing various flagship schemes of both the State and Central Governments, with a focus on health, education, power sector, rural development, and public distribution systems. His exemplary leadership and contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Water Award (2023) presented by the Hon'ble Vice President of India, the Champion of Change Award (2019) by NITI Aayog, and recognition by the Chief Minister for 100% district electrification (2018).

Rahul Tongia
Senior Fellow
CSEP and Founding Advisor, ISGF

Dr. Rahul Tongia is a Senior Fellow with the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), a leading not-for-profit think tank in New Delhi, where his work focuses on technology and policy, especially for sustainable development. He co-leads the Energy, Natural Resources, and Sustainability group at CSEP and is active in broader issues of technology.

His work spans energy and electricity, including renewable energy supply options and grid integration; smart grids; access and quality; and reforms and regulations, including electricity and energy pricing.

Another thread of his work focuses on climate equity and the energy transition. His book, Future of Coal in India: Smooth Transition or Bumpy Road Ahead (2020), was awarded a Top Energy Policy Book to Read in 2021 by BookAuthority.

He pioneered the Smart Grid space in India and was Technical Advisor to the Government of India's Smart Grid Task Force. He remains Founding Advisor of the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) and was on the Technology Advisory Board (2005–2008) for Southern California Edison's award-winning smart grid rollout. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering.

Rahul Tongia is a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, having originally joined the faculty at CMU in 1998. Previous roles include Vice-Chair of the UN ICT Task Force Working Group on Low-cost Connectivity-access/Enabling Environment and Member of the World Economic Forum's Global Futures Council on Advanced Energy Technology.

Rajesh Sharma
Chairman
Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission

With over 40 years of distinguished experience in public administration and regulatory affairs, he is a senior civil servant currently serving as Chairman of the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC), having previously held roles as Member and Secretary.

During his career in the Indian Administrative Service, he held numerous senior leadership positions under the Government of Rajasthan, including Divisional Commissioner, District Collector, Chairman of the Jodhpur Development Authority, Managing Director of multiple public-sector corporations, and Resident Commissioner in New Delhi. His expertise spans policy formulation, financial administration, infrastructure development, and crisis management, notably leading COVID-19 pandemic mitigation across six districts.

In the energy sector, he has strengthened Rajasthan's regulatory framework through initiatives in Green Energy Open Access, rooftop solar programs, battery storage systems, tariff determination, and resource adequacy planning. His leadership extends to international platforms such as DistribuTECH in Dallas and the Global Regulatory Sustainability Roundtable in Cape Town.

He holds an M.Sc. in Biochemistry, an MBA, and multiple postgraduate diplomas, alongside advanced training from institutions including the Harvard Kennedy School. His public service has been recognized with the State Award for Meritorious and Outstanding Services, the India Pride Award, and the Udyog Rattan & Excellence Award.

Ranvir Prasad
Chairman
Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited

Shri Ranvir Prasad, IAS (2000: Uttar Pradesh Cadre), is a senior Indian Administrative Service officer with a B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering and over 26 years of administrative experience in district administration, infrastructure, urban development, and the power sector. He has served as District Magistrate in six districts of Uttar Pradesh and held key positions in Tamil Nadu, including District Collector, Tiruvallur, and CEO, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. He also contributed to disaster relief following the 2004 tsunami in Nagapattinam and represented India at the 17th New Generation Seminar at the East-West Center, Hawaii.

Shri Prasad has held several senior positions in Uttar Pradesh, including Divisional Commissioner, Bareilly; Secretary, Revenue Department; Housing Commissioner; and Managing Director of various power utilities, including DVVNL and KESCo. He currently serves as Principal Secretary (Energy), Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam, UP Power Transmission Corporation, and the State Load Dispatch Centre.

Ratan Singh
General Manager
SECI

Ratan Singh serves as General Manager (Projects) at the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. He is associated with the engineering and project management of renewable energy initiatives, contributing to the development and deployment of clean energy infrastructure across the country. In his role, Shri Singh is involved in the planning, coordination and execution of utility-scale renewable energy projects, including solar photovoltaic, wind and hybrid energy projects. His responsibilities encompass project engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and project implementation, supporting the expansion of India's renewable energy capacity. His areas of work also include project management consultancy, feasibility assessment, tendering and bid-process management, and construction monitoring for renewable energy projects undertaken in collaboration with government departments and public sector organisations. Emerging areas such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and floating solar photovoltaic projects form part of the broader portfolio of technologies being developed to strengthen renewable energy integration and grid reliability.

Ravi Seethapathy
Executive Chairman
Biosirus Inc.

Ravi Seethapathy, is Executive Chairman of Biosirus Inc., Canada. He serves as the "Ambassador for the Americas", for the Global Smart Energy Federation, USA, and as an Advisor to the India Smart Grid Forum. He is an empanelled expert at the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), a 51-country member organization.

With over 42+ years of experience in the Energy and Power Systems area in Canada, he mentors several utilities and companies in their technology development. His is active in several IEC, CSA, GSEF, ISGF, CDRI technical committees, in the areas of sustainable energy, transportation, energy storage, microgrid and e-mobility.

He is an invited speaker internationally and has co-authored over 50 technical papers and published 75 articles. His former Corporate Directorships include Larsen & Toubro's - Power Transmission & Distribution (IC), India, Toronto Atmospheric Fund, Smart Grid Canada, Ryerson University, TV Ontario, Scarborough Hospital, and as Chairs of Engineers Without Borders Canada, Canadian Club of Toronto, and Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce.

He is a Life Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering; a Life Senior Member of the IEEE; and a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario. He has been honoured with several awards/citations including the Distinguished Alumnus Award, IIT Kharagpur (2025); ISGF President's Award (2023); Life Member Service Award; IEEE Toronto (2021); and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).

He/his family has endowed an IEEE PES/IAS Award in "Rural Electrification Excellence". He holds a B. Tech (Hons) in Electrical Power from IIT Kharagpur, India, an M. Eng. in Electrical Power from University of Toronto and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto, Canada.

Reena Suri
Chief Executive Officer
India Smart Grid Forum

Reena Suri, Chief Executive Officer of the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) since 2013, brings over 23 years of rich experience in the energy sector. She has played a key role in various ISGF projects, including the Electrification Plan for Public Transportation, Blockchain for Electric Utilities, Energy Storage Roadmap for India, Smart Grid Roadmap, and developing smart grid and EV infrastructure plans for the SAARC Region. Reena also led the World Bank EV Project in Kolkata. As the founder-editor of the Smart Grid Bulletin, Reena has been a voice for smart grid advancements since 2013. She is passionate about increasing gender diversity in the energy sector, leading initiatives to improve networking and mentoring programs for women, raise awareness and technology skills among women, and attract women to technical education by showcasing inspiring role models.

Reji Kumar Pillai
President, India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF)
Chairman, Global Smart Energy Federation (GSEF)

Reji is the President of India Smart Grid Forum (www.indiasmartgrid.org) since its inception in 2011 and is also the current Chairman of the Global Smart Energy Federation (GSEF). He is an internationally renowned expert with over four decades of experience in the electricity sector in diverse functions covering the entire value chain and across continents. He is spearheading a mission to leverage technology to transform the electric grids and provide clean and reliable electricity to every citizen 24x7 at affordable cost. For decades he has been actively advocating for the "Right to Electricity" that would ensure lifeline supply of electricity to all which is now becoming a reality in India and several other developing countries; and also advocating for the "Right to Sleep" to provide climate-controlled sleeping pods in low-income communities. Reji has played pivotal role in several groundbreaking initiatives related to renewable energy, electric grid modernization, electric mobility, energy storage and digitalization of utilities across continents during the past two decades.

His current areas of research and work spans: Grid Integrated Vehicles, District Cooling Systems, Electric Cooking, Integration of Utilities - electricity + water + city gas distribution; Grid Interactive Buildings and Campuses; Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain, Web 3.0 and Metaverse Applications for Utilities; Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Systems and the Future of Transportation; and Interconnection of Regional Grids in Asia - ASEAN, SAARC and GCC grids.

In November 2016, Reji was unanimously elected as Chairman of Global Smart Grid Federation, now renamed as Global Smart Energy Federation (GSEF), a global umbrella organization of smart energy associations and utilities from around the globe headquartered in Washington DC, USA that was established by the US Department of Energy in 2010. Reji is also an advisor to Arab Renewable Energy Commission (AREC) since 2017; and works closely with the Association of Power Utilities in Africa (APUA), International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) and LATAM Smart Grid Forum.

As an entrepreneur, Reji has built successful enterprises in India and overseas and exited them. Presently he mentors several technology startups around the globe. He has studied Engineering, Finance, Management and Law; worked with NTPC and IBM and has been a senior consultant with ADB, World Bank and USAID. A recognized thought leader in renewable energy, smart grid technologies, smart cities and electric mobility, Reji is a popular key-note speaker at international symposiums and conferences. He has also contributed to several articles, books, research reports and white papers on a variety of topics.

R J Vala
CE (Tech)
GUVNL

Mr. Vala is the Chief Engineer of Gujarat's largest DISCOM, PGVCL, with over 27 years of experience in the power sector. He is the key person behind Gujarat's success in installing over 4.3 GW of solar rooftops.

R.K. Tyagi
Director General
Power Foundation of India

R.K. Tyagi is Director General, Power Foundation of India (PFI), and a distinguished power sector leader with over 35 years of experience in transmission systems, grid modernization, renewable energy integration, regulatory affairs, and strategic sector development.

A Fulbright Scholar and former Chairman & Managing Director of POWERGRID, R.K. Tyagi has played a pivotal role in shaping India's power infrastructure and strengthening regional energy cooperation. Throughout his career, he has led several landmark initiatives, including the development of India's 1200 kV transmission system, expansion of the country's inter-regional transmission network, integration of large-scale renewable energy corridors, and enhancement of cross-border electricity interconnections with neighbouring countries.

As CMD of POWERGRID, R.K. Tyagi led one of the world's largest transmission utilities, overseeing significant infrastructure expansion, operational excellence, and regulatory engagement. His contributions have been instrumental in advancing grid reliability, transmission technology, asset management practices, and policy frameworks supporting India's energy transition.

R.K. Tyagi has actively contributed to national and international standardisation efforts through leadership roles in CIGRE and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). He has been associated with the development of key transmission tariff regulations, technical standards, and grid performance frameworks that continue to guide the sector.

At the Power Foundation of India, R.K. Tyagi is focused on promoting evidence-based research, policy support, capacity building, innovation, consumer awareness, and stakeholder collaboration to support India's vision of a reliable, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable power sector.

R.K. Tyagi has received numerous national and international recognitions, including the IEC 1906 Award, BIS National Award, CBIP Individual Award, and the CIGRE Distinguished Member Award. He has also authored and presented over 50 technical papers in leading national and international forums.

Rohit Bajaj
Joint Managing Director
Indian Energy Exchange (IEX)

Rohit Bajaj is a management and business development professional, Rohit has over 30 years of rich and diverse experience garnered in the energy domain, encompassing generation and power market, as well as the hydrocarbon industry. Working at the Indian Energy Exchange since the year 2014 with a dedicated focus on building India's power markets, Mr. Bajaj has been instrumental in conceptualizing and implementing several market segments. Before joining IEX, Mr. Bajaj held the position of Head of Business and Whole-time Director at National Energy Trading and Services Limited. Earlier in his career, he held leadership position at conglomerates like Reliance Industries, Lanco Amarkantak Power, Jindal Stainless etc. where he oversaw various aspects of energy infrastructure projects like power plants, gas pipelines and electricity trading.

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Regional Engineering College, Rourkela, Sambalpur University, and Post Graduate Diploma Programme in Executive Management from the Management Development Institute, Gurgaon.

Rohit Gupta
Chairman and Managing Director
Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited

Dr. Rohit Gupta is a senior Indian Administrative Service officer of the Rajasthan cadre (2006 batch). He is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and holds an MPP and PhD in Public Affairs from Princeton University, USA. With a blend of technical education and policy expertise, he has driven administrative excellence in economic governance, investment promotion, and sustainable development. He currently advances Rajasthan's renewable energy transformation agenda as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL), fostering collaboration between government, industry, and investors to accelerate clean energy deployment.

He has held strategic portfolios including Commissioner of Industries and Bureau of Investment Promotion, Secretary, Finance (Budget), and District Collector in six districts of Rajasthan. He has been integral to major investment facilitation efforts such as the Rising Rajasthan initiative, leveraging technology-led innovation and public-private partnerships. Dr. Gupta has also served as an advisor to the Board of IIM, Udaipur.

Known for his strategic vision and commitment to public service, Dr. Rohit Gupta continues to shape policy and institutional frameworks that support economic growth, energy transition, and long-term development in Rajasthan and beyond.

R. S. Selvam
Vice President – Research & Development
Stelmec Limited

Mr. R. S. Selvam has over 40 years of experience in the switchgear industry, with expertise in the in-house design and development of medium-voltage (MV) switchgear products. He has been associated with Stelmec Limited for the past 23 years as Vice President – Research & Development (R&D), contributing to the development of MV switchgear technologies and their evolution from oil- and air-based systems to vacuum circuit breakers, gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and SF₆-based ring main units (RMUs).

His professional experience spans Southern Switchgear, Eswaran & Sons Engineer Ltd., Andrew Yule & Co. Ltd., and ECE Industries Ltd. His expertise covers the design and development, type testing and manufacturing of a wide range of electrical products, including 12–36 kV vacuum circuit breakers, switchgear panels, GIS, RMUs, numerical relays, IoT-based substations and automation systems.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics from Anna University, Chennai, and an MBA in Operations from Manipal University.

Salona Chandna
Govt & Public Sector Lead
WhatsApp, Meta

Salona Chandna leads Government and Public Sector engagements for WhatsApp in India at Meta, working with central and state government departments, public institutions and ecosystem partners to bring citizen services onto WhatsApp. Her work focuses on using AI & messaging to make government services simpler and more accessible — from information and grievance redressal to document access and service delivery — in multiple Indian languages and at population scale.

As part of Meta's India growth & enablement strategy, she also works closely with the solution provider and technology partner ecosystem that builds and deploys these journeys, and on emerging AI-led use cases in public service delivery with Government bodies, to help build the future for Digital Citizen Services.

Sandeep Bhagia
Managing Director
MVVNL

Sandeep Bhagia is an Indian Administrative Service officer of the 2018 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Born on 21 April 1989, he holds an M.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi. He is currently serving as Managing Director at Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (MVVNL), Uttar Pradesh, a position he has held since 10 July 2026. Prior to this, he served as Additional Commissioner. Sandeep Bhagia continues his service in the Indian Administrative Service, contributing to the administration of Uttar Pradesh.

Sanket Srivastava
Power Management, Sustainability & Policy
Noida Power Company Limited

Mr. Sanket Srivastava has around 17 years of experience in Power Sector which includes 2 years in the field of Power Generation and around 15 years in Power Distribution.

He is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi. Mr. Srivastava is basically an Electrical Engineer with experience in Strategy & Planning particularly in the field of Electricity Markets and Regulatory Affairs.

He is currently heading the Power Management, Sustainability & Policy at Noida Power Company Limited.

Santhosh S. Nair
Director,
Oracle Energy & Water

Santhosh S. Nair is a senior energy-industry leader with over 40 years of professional experience spanning the power sector, digital transformation, enterprise technology, and utility communications. He currently serves as Director, Oracle Energy & Water, where he brings deep industry knowledge and technology leadership to the evolving energy and utilities landscape.

His career includes leadership and industry roles with NHPC India, Power Grid India, IBM's Energy Industry vertical across India and Southeast Asia, and Nokia's Energy vertical across India and Southeast Asia. His experience bridges conventional power infrastructure and the digital technologies shaping modern utilities.

An active contributor to industry dialogue, Santhosh has served as a speaker, panelist, and author at prominent energy forums and events, including CEPSI, AESIEAP, India Smart Utility Week, and CIRED Malaysia. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) and a member of AESIEAP.

He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the College of Engineering Trivandrum, a Master's in Industrial Management from IIT Madras, and a Master's in Information Systems Management from the London School of Economics, UK.

Santosh Kumar
Chief Operating Officer
BSES Yamuna Power Limited

Santosh Kumar is a senior business leader with more than 25 years of experience across power distribution, business operations, P&L management, and business transformation. He is currently Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President at BSES Yamuna Power Limited, where he works across operational performance, business improvement, and modernization of the power distribution business.

Before joining BSES, he held several business and P&L leadership roles with Schneider Electric, including responsibilities for post-merger integration and large-scale business transformation programmes across the APAC region.

His experience spans power distribution and utility operations, strategic planning, digitalization, business transformation, substations and power systems, automation, and organizational leadership.

His leadership perspective is further shaped by programmes in Artificial Intelligence at ISB and Innovation Leadership at INSEAD, bringing together technology, innovation, and business transformation.

With a career spanning operations, business leadership, technology, and transformation, Santosh Kumar brings a practical and forward-looking perspective to the evolving power sector, operational excellence, digitalization, AI-led transformation, innovation, and the future of electricity distribution.

Saurav Shah
Executive Director
Power Finance Corporation

Mr. Saurav Kumar Shah is a 2009-batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre currently serving as Executive Director at PFC Limited. Since joining PFC in 2021, he has led the execution of the Government of India's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), a ₹3,000 billion flagship initiative transforming the power distribution sector. He previously managed the successful closure of the ₹600 million Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) and the Restructured Accelerated Power Distribution and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP).

Mr. Shah represents the Government of India on the board of the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. (TNPDCL), following a prior board tenure with Andhra Pradesh Power Distribution companies. His public service includes leading the Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) and National Service Scheme (NSS) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, managing the Ministry of Health's data war room during the COVID-19 pandemic, and serving on the personal staff of the Minister of Railways and Coal.

Earlier in his career, he spent over eight years in district policing as Superintendent of Police and ASP across five districts. This field experience provided deep insights into rural development and power sector dynamics. Mr. Shah holds a degree in Economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, and has interests in renewable energy and development studies.

Shalini Agarwal
Managing Director
GUVNL

Smt. Shalini Agarwal is a 2005-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Gujarat cadre and is presently serving as Managing Director, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL). She has over two decades of experience across urban governance, revenue administration, finance and energy management. She has previously served as Municipal Commissioner of Surat and Vadodara and as District Collector of Tapi-Vyara, Kheda, Aravalli and Vadodara. She has also served as Additional Commissioner of Commercial Tax in the Finance Department, Government of Gujarat.

Shashank Mishra
Joint Secretary
Ministry of Power, Govt. of India

Shri Shashank Misra is Government Nominee Director on the Board of REC Limited since August 21, 2023. He is an IAS Officer (Madhya Pradesh: 2007) and holds a B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi. Presently, he is posted as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Government of India. Before joining the Ministry of Power, he served in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

He has also worked in various capacities in the Government of Madhya Pradesh, including Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation Limited, Madhya Pradesh Building Development Corporation Limited, and Madhya Pradesh State Asset Management Company Limited; Chairman of Ujjain Smart City Limited; and CEO of Madhya Pradesh Rural Road Development Authority. He is also Government Nominee Director on the Board of Power Finance Corporation Limited.

Shri Shashank Mishra holds no equity shares in the Company and has no inter-se relation with any other Director or Key Managerial Personnel.

Sidharth Sihag
Managing Director
Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited

Shri Sidharth Sihag, IAS, is a 2012-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Rajasthan cadre. He has served in key administrative roles, including District Collector and District Magistrate, and as Special Secretary to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. He received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration for his work on the Khelo India initiative in Churu district. He holds a B.A., LL.B. from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.

Siva Gunda
Vice Chair
California Energy Commission

Commissioner Siva Gunda is serving his second term on the California Energy Commission. Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Gunda in 2021 to serve as the Energy Commission's public member and later appointed him Vice Chair in September 2021. Gunda was reappointed in December 2025.

Gunda has been recognized for advancing solutions to complex energy challenges facing California, including grid reliability, petroleum issues, and implementation of Senate Bill 100. He is the lead commissioner on energy assessments, energy reliability, long-term electricity planning, demand analysis, and data initiatives.

From 2017 to 2021, he held multiple roles at the CEC, including manager for the Demand Analysis Office and deputy director for the Energy Assessments Division.

Before joining the CEC, Gunda worked at the Energy Efficiency Institute at the University of California, Davis from 2011 to 2017. He served as director of research and India initiatives, director of research, and program manager.

Gunda earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University and a master of science degree in mechanical and aeronautical engineering from Utah State University.

He is a serious cricket fan and former captain of his college team. He lives with his family in Davis.

Song Youngsub
Principal Engineer/R&D
Reformtech Co., Ltd.

Mr. Song Youngsub is a Principal Engineer in R&D at Reformtech Co., Ltd., with a B.S. in Mechanical Systems Engineering from Chonnam National University and 15 years of experience at Reformtech's R&D Institute, where he has led product development since 2011.

He specializes in power distribution protection and switching equipment, including current-limiting fuses, DC fuses for solar and ESS applications, and medium-voltage switchgear. He has served as Development PM for programs delivered to Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), including current-limiting fuses for cut-out switches and a no-fuse-breaker-type service line breaker.

He holds a patent application for arc protection technology for 7.2 kV switchgear and has led national R&D projects funded by Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Sudhir Jain
CE
Rajasthan SLDC

Mr. Sudhir Jain is the Chief Engineer (Load Despatch) at Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (RVPN), where he heads the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) in Rajasthan.

A seasoned power sector professional with over 32 years of extensive experience in grid operations and management, he plays a pivotal role in supervising more than 650 Extra High Voltage (EHV) substations, managing Wide Area SCADA/EMS applications, and directing advanced data communication systems. His strategic leadership is central to accelerating renewable energy integration, enhancing grid efficiency through mechanisms like Security-Constrained Economic Dispatch (SCED), and driving the implementation of upcoming Security and Network Operations Centres (SOC/NOC).

Sunil Wadhwa
Founder and CEO
Multiple Orbits Consulting

Mr. Sunil Wadhwa is the Founder and CEO of Multiple Orbits Consulting and a distinguished power sector leader with over three decades of executive experience. He previously served as Managing Director of Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) and GE T&D India Limited. At TPDDL, he led a remarkable turnaround, reducing AT&C losses from 58% to 10%. He is a rank-holding Chartered Accountant and an alumnus of Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi.

Tarun Batra
CIO and Head- IT & Automation
Noida Power Company Limited

A management professional, over two decades of cross-functional experience within the entire value chain of the Power Sector. His expertise encompasses Information Technology, Operational Technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Customer Services and Project Management.

Currently, he holds the position of Head-D&IT at Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, Delhi. In this capacity, he is spearheading the implementation of a comprehensive ecosystem comprising cyber-secured IT and OT solutions, AMI and AI & ML driven BOT, analytical solutions etc. for enriching customer’s experience.

Teppo Hemiä
CEO
Wirepas

Teppo Hemiä is the founder and CEO of Wirepas. He has 30 years of experience building and scaling global wireless technology businesses, including new ventures and major turnarounds. Before founding Wirepas in 2014, he held senior positions at Nokia, STMicroelectronics and ST-Ericsson.

Vikas Gaba
Partner & National Head – Power and Utilities
KPMG in India

Vikas Gaba is Partner and National Head – Power and Utilities for KPMG in India with over 22 years of experience in managing complex, large-scale power sector transformation programs across South Asia. He brings deep expertise in developing business strategies, policy, regulation, institutional strengthening, private sector participation frameworks, governance strengthening, structural and market reforms, digitalization initiatives, implementation handholding, capacity building, and training.

Vikas has worked extensively across all segments of the power sector, including generation, renewable energy, transmission, distribution, power markets, fuels, energy efficiency and emerging segments such as storage, electric vehicles (EVs), new technologies, and smart grids. He has strong familiarity with the power sector across South Asia, including direct experience in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Southern African Power Pool, Qatar, Oman, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, and Yemen.

He has a proven track record of leading engagements and working closely with a wide variety of stakeholders, including Ministries, country governments, public and private utilities, regulatory authorities, academic institutions, multi-lateral and bi-lateral institutions, and non-government institutions.

Vikas holds a Master’s degree in Business Economics and Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering.

Vishnu Shankar Srivastava
Head of Strategic Project
BSES Rajdhani Power Limited

Vishnu Shankar Srivastava, IICC, PMP, FIE, C.Eng., serves as Head of Strategic Project, leveraging over two decades of diverse industry experience and leadership expertise. With a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Master's in International Business, he is pursuing a doctorate from a European university. Vishnu excels in network operations, business growth strategy, contract planning, P&L analysis, and project management. A certified trainer, he has worked with top companies including Schneider Electric, Areva, ABB, and Cutler Hammer, and has held senior leadership roles.