Former MNRE Secretary Brings Over 25 Years of Sectoral Expertise to the Quasi-Judicial Body
Eight months after retiring as Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Bhupinder Singh Bhalla (Retd IAS: 1990: AGMUT) has been appointed as Member (Technical) of the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL). His appointment recognizes over three decades of service, with a deep specialization in India’s power and energy sectors.
Deep Expertise in Energy Sector Governance
The role of Member (Technical) at APTEL demands significant subject-matter expertise and a minimum of 25 years of experience in domains like electricity generation, transmission, distribution, regulatory affairs, economics, law, or finance. Mr. Bhalla’s vast experience—especially in formulating and implementing renewable energy policies—makes him exceptionally qualified for this position.
His induction comes at a crucial time, as India undergoes a transformative shift toward clean energy adoption, grid modernization, and regulatory reform. His expertise is expected to further strengthen APTEL’s capacity to handle complex technical issues in a rapidly evolving power sector.
Current Composition of APTEL
Constituted under the Electricity Act, 2003, APTEL is a quasi-judicial statutory tribunal tasked with hearing appeals against decisions made by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and various State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs).
The tribunal plays a pivotal role in interpreting regulatory frameworks, adjudicating disputes, and influencing policy direction in the power sector. It currently functions under the leadership of Chairperson Justice Ramesh Ranganathan, whose term continues until December 1, 2026. APTEL comprises a balanced bench of Judicial and Technical Members, allowing for holistic decision-making on regulatory and technical matters.
About APTEL
The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) is a vital institution ensuring transparency, legal oversight, and sectoral accountability in India’s electricity landscape. It handles appeals and disputes involving generation, transmission, distribution, trading, and regulatory compliance, impacting stakeholders across the energy value chain—from generators and licensees to consumers and regulators.
With its quasi-judicial mandate, APTEL upholds the principles of the Electricity Act, resolves inter-party disputes, and helps shape the commercial and operational framework of India’s evolving power market.
