Pankaj Rai Named Himachal Electricity Regulatory Commission Chairman

The Himachal Pradesh government has appointed senior IAS officer Pankaj Rai as Chairperson of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC), bringing an end to months of uncertainty surrounding the key regulatory post.

The Energy Department issued the appointment notification late Tuesday evening. Rai will hold the post for five years or until he turns 65, whichever comes earlier.

A seasoned administrative officer, Rai has handled several key assignments during his career. He has served as Deputy Commissioner of Bilaspur and Lahaul-Spiti, Commissioner of the Shimla Municipal Corporation and Mission Director of the National Health Mission. He has also worked as Deputy Director (Administration) at PGIMER, Chandigarh.

The appointment comes after the selection process became the subject of a legal challenge before the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

On September 14, 2025, the selection committee recommended a panel comprising IAS officers Pankaj Rai and Rajiv Sood for the post. The state government later rejected the panel, following which Rai approached the High Court challenging the decision.

After hearing the matter, the High Court set aside the government’s decision and directed it to complete the appointment process in accordance with the panel recommended by the selection committee. The court had set November 10, 2026, as the deadline for completing the process.

With Rai’s appointment now formally notified, the long-pending selection process has concluded in compliance with the High Court’s directions.