Himachal Power Engineers Association Calls for Strengthening Technical Leadership in State Power Utilities

SHIMLA: The Himachal Power Engineers Association (HPEA) has expressed serious concern over the prolonged vacancies in key Director-level positions in the State power utilities-HPSEBL, HPPCL and HPPTCL. The Association stated that at a time when the power sector is undergoing significant reforms and implementing major infrastructure projects, these technically specialised organisations require stable and experienced leadership at the Board level to ensure efficient decision-making, effective project monitoring and reliable consumer services.

The Association observed that prolonged vacancies in key functional positions weaken institutional governance, delay strategic and technical decision-making and adversely affect the implementation of major reforms. It urged the State Government to fill these important positions at the earliest in the interest of strengthening the power sector of Himachal Pradesh.

The Association pointed out that the post of Director (Operation), HPSEBL, has remained vacant for almost one year. This position is central to the operation and maintenance of the State’s power distribution network and assumes even greater significance at a time when HPSEBL is implementing the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the Smart Metering Programme.

The Association stated that these flagship programmes involve investments running into thousands of crores of rupees and are among the most significant reforms ever undertaken in the distribution sector. Under RDSS alone, the Smart Metering component sanctioned for Himachal Pradesh amounts to nearly 1,788 crore, besides extensive loss reduction and infrastructure strengthening works. These projects involve strict implementation timelines, continuous monitoring and close coordination with multiple agencies. The Director (Operation), HPSEBL, has a pivotal role in providing the technical leadership and oversight necessary for their successful implementation. The continued vacancy of this key position, therefore, may adversely affect the timely and effective execution of these nationally important programmes.

The Association has requested the State Government to follow the well-established practice of appointing the senior-most eligible Chief Engineer of HPSEBL to the post of Director (Operation). This long-standing convention has ensured continuity in leadership, recognised professional experience within the organisation and provided a transparent and merit-based avenue for career progression of serving engineers.

Similarly, the post of Director (Electrical), HPPTCL has remained vacant for more than one year. The Association further noted with concern that HPPTCL earlier had two Director-level posts for Power Engineers, considering the highly technical nature of theorganisation. However, one of these posts has subsequently been converted into a non-technical post, thereby reducing technical representation at the highest decision-making level of the corporation. The Association emphasised that technical utilities entrusted with planning, construction and operation of the State’s transmission network should have adequate technical representation at the Board level.

The Association observed that HPSEBL, HPPCL and HPPTCL are responsible for power generation, transmission and distribution in Himachal Pradesh and are presently facing major challenges relating to financial sustainability, modernisation of infrastructure, integration of renewable energy, reduction of technical and commercial losses, digital transformation and improvement of consumer services. Addressing these challenges requires stable, experienced and technically competent leadership at the highest level.

The continued delay in filling these positions also adversely affects the morale and career progression of engineers serving in the State power utilities. Strong technical leadership not only enhances institutional efficiency but also inspires confidence among employees, consumers and other stakeholders.

The Himachal Power Engineers Association has, therefore, appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the State Government to fill all vacant Director-level posts in HPSEBL, HPPCL and HPPTCL at the earliest through a transparent process. The Association has also urged the Government to preserve adequate technical representation on the Boards of these organisations, keeping in view the specialised nature of the power sector.

Speaking on the issue, the President of the Himachal Power Engineers Association said:

“The engineers of the State are fully committed to providing reliable and quality electricity services to the people of Himachal Pradesh. However, successful implementation of major reforms such as RDSS and Smart Metering, along with efficient functioning of our power utilities, requires stable technical leadership at the highest level. We sincerely hope that the State Government will fill these important positions without further delay in the larger public interest.”