Power Regulator CERC Appoints Jishnu Barua as Chairperson

Jishnu Barua is welcomed as Chairperson of CERC

Jishnu Barua has assumed charge of power regulator CERC (Central Electricity Regulatory Commission) as the Chairman. The newly appointed Chairperson was administered the oath by MNRE Minister R K Singh.

Jishnu Barua is welcomed as the Chairperson of CERC

Barua had been appointed to the post of the Chairperson on 27 February. He was the Chief Secretary of Assam from October 2020 to August 2022. Before this, Barua had served as the Additional Chief Secretary to Assam. In this role, he was responsible for several departments of the State starting August 2017 to October 2020.

Barua has been appointed as the Chairperson of Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd. following his retirement. He has an M. Phil degree in Defence and Strategic Studies, PG (History) Degree and Graduation (Philosophy) degree.

In an interaction with the newly-appointed Chairperson of the power regulator, R. K. Singh said that under Barua’s charge, India’s power system has undergone important improvements in recent years. He also added that India’s present capacity is adequate to meet the electricity demand. He also stated that the country’s economy is growing at nearly 7% while the demand for electricity stands at 10%. The power system needs to gear up to be able to meet this rising demand over the period of the next ten years or so. next decade or so. He also said that thanks to Ease of Doing Business and Transparency, the inflow of investments in power sector have been seeing a rise. However, he pointed that Investment in climate in the sector needs a stronger push.

Power Secretary Alok Kumar stated that the country needs to adopt a progressive Central Regulator that looks at large-scale integration of renewable energy and Green Hydrogen expected in near future. He said that the new Chairperson has on his shoulders the responsibility to make sure that power utilities and DISCOMS (distribution companies) are financially sound.