Former Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services officer, Mr Nand Lal Sharma has been made the Chairman of Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC).

The Haryana government recently issued the order. An order appointing him as the HERC Chairman for five years, or until the age of 65, was issued by AK Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department.

Mr Sharma is currently serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam in Haryana, a public sector undertaking of the Union Ministry of Power.

He will hold the post of chairman of HERC for a period of five years, till 2028.

Sharma, a surprise pick as state power regulator, had a short but controversial stint as interim chairman of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in July.

It is being said that Mr Sharma have been chosen by the chief minister’s office (CMO) among many aspirants for the top post. While, as many as 30 persons, including retired bureaucrats, had applied for the post.

Sharma’s appointment assumes importance as Haryana power utilities (HPUs), which include distribution companies, transmission companies and power generation company, have to file their annual revenue requirements (ARRs) by November 30 for the 2023-24 financial year.

Mr Sharma joined the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service in 1989 and served on various administrative posts until he joined the SJVN as Executive Director (Human Resources) in 2008. He was elevated as CMD in 2017.

He was also given the additional charge of Chairman of the Bhakra Beas Management Board for three months in July.