Historic First: Harsharan Kaur Trehan Named Director at Punjab State Power Corporation Limited

Harsharan Kaur Trehan Makes History as PSPCL’s First Woman Director

The appointment of Harsharan Kaur Trehan as Director (Commercial) at Punjab State Power Corporation Limited marks a historic milestone in the organisation’s leadership journey. With decades of experience in the power sector, Trehan has become the first woman technocrat to reach the director level within the state-run utility. Her appointment reflects both her professional achievements and the gradual transformation of leadership representation within India’s infrastructure and energy sectors. The Punjab government issued official orders confirming her appointment for a two‑year tenure. She assumed charge at the corporation’s headquarters in Patiala, taking on responsibilities that include strengthening the organisation’s commercial strategy, improving consumer services, and enhancing operational efficiency across the power distribution network.

A Landmark Moment for the Power Sector

Breaking Barriers in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry

India’s power and utilities sector has historically been dominated by male leadership, particularly in technical and engineering roles. Trehan’s elevation to the board level therefore represents an important shift in the industry’s evolving leadership landscape. Her appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a signal that organisations are increasingly recognising talent and experience regardless of gender. For young engineers and professionals entering the sector, her career journey demonstrates that long‑term dedication and expertise can pave the way to leadership roles even in industries that have traditionally had limited female representation.

Recognition of Decades of Service

Trehan’s appointment comes after a career spanning more than three and a half decades in the power sector. Over the years, she has held several critical technical and administrative roles, contributing to major operational and regulatory developments within the organisation. Her work across multiple divisions gave her extensive exposure to the functioning of the electricity ecosystem, including generation, transmission, procurement, and regulatory compliance.

Career Journey of Harsharan Kaur Trehan

Early Career and Technical Foundations

An engineering graduate from Delhi College of Engineering, Trehan joined the erstwhile Punjab State Electricity Board in 1987 as an Assistant Engineer. At the time, opportunities for women in technical roles within the power sector were limited, making her entry into the field particularly notable. During the early years of her career, she worked on several engineering assignments related to transmission design, substation design, hydel projects, and thermal systems. These assignments helped her build a strong technical foundation and develop a deep understanding of the operational complexities of electricity infrastructure.

Progression Through Leadership Roles

As her career progressed, Trehan took on increasing responsibilities within the organisation. She contributed to several important projects and operational initiatives that helped improve the efficiency and reliability of the power network. Her work included involvement in regulatory matters, project planning, and procurement operations. Over time, she became known for her ability to handle complex assignments and manage large-scale technical responsibilities. One of the defining milestones in her career came when she became the first woman Engineer‑in‑Chief in the organisation. In that role, she headed the Material Management wing and oversaw procurement processes involving significant annual budgets. Her leadership during this period earned recognition for transparency, efficiency, and strong governance practices.

Responsibilities as Director (Commercial)

Strengthening Commercial Operations

In her new role, Trehan will oversee commercial operations, a critical function within the power utility. This includes revenue management, billing systems, consumer relations, and financial performance linked to electricity distribution. The commercial division plays a key role in ensuring that the organisation maintains financial sustainability while delivering reliable electricity services to households, industries, and agricultural consumers. Her leadership is expected to bring operational discipline and strategic clarity to the department.

Improving Consumer Services

Modern power utilities are increasingly focusing on consumer experience. With growing demand and rising expectations, power distribution companies must invest in better service delivery, faster grievance redressal, and digital systems that improve transparency. Trehan’s experience in regulation and system operations positions her well to drive initiatives that enhance consumer trust and service quality.

Contribution to Renewable Energy Initiatives

Throughout her career, Trehan has also been involved in initiatives related to power procurement and renewable energy projects. She played a role in facilitating agreements and operational frameworks associated with new energy developments. The growing importance of renewable energy makes such experience particularly valuable. As utilities transition toward cleaner energy sources, leadership that understands both technical and regulatory aspects becomes essential. Her background enables her to contribute to decisions related to long‑term energy planning and procurement strategies.

Experience Across Key Technical Domains

One of the defining aspects of Trehan’s career has been her exposure to multiple areas of power system operations. She has worked on transmission design, thermal power systems, hydel engineering, and regulatory functions. This multidisciplinary experience provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by large utilities. It also allows leaders to make informed decisions that balance technical feasibility, financial sustainability, and consumer needs. Such broad exposure is often essential for senior leadership positions in infrastructure organisations.

The Role of Leadership in Public Sector Utilities

Public sector power utilities play a crucial role in economic development. Electricity supply underpins industrial growth, urban development, agriculture, and everyday life. Leadership positions within such organisations therefore require a combination of technical expertise, administrative ability, and public accountability. Trehan’s appointment demonstrates the importance of experience-driven leadership in managing complex systems that serve millions of consumers.

Balancing Operational Efficiency and Public Responsibility

Unlike private corporations that focus primarily on profitability, state power utilities must balance financial performance with public service obligations. Directors must therefore make decisions that maintain operational stability while ensuring affordability and accessibility of electricity. Trehan’s decades of experience within the organisation provide institutional knowledge that can support this balance.

Inspiration for Women in Engineering

The appointment also carries symbolic significance for women pursuing careers in engineering and public infrastructure. Role models in leadership positions help break stereotypes and encourage more young women to enter technical professions. Across India, engineering colleges are seeing rising female enrollment, yet leadership representation remains relatively limited in some sectors. Milestones like this contribute to changing that narrative. Trehan’s journey demonstrates that perseverance, expertise, and dedication can lead to positions of influence and responsibility.

The Road Ahead for PSPCL

Punjab’s electricity sector faces several challenges including rising demand, financial pressures, infrastructure upgrades, and the integration of renewable energy. Leadership stability and strong governance are essential to address these challenges effectively. As Director (Commercial), Trehan will be involved in shaping policies that impact revenue management, consumer engagement, and overall operational performance. Her role will also involve working closely with other directors and government stakeholders to ensure that strategic priorities.