VIJAYAWADA: Retired IAS officer Binoy Kumar has been appointed Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) for a term of five years or until he attains the age of 70, whichever is earlier.
The Andhra Pradesh Energy Department announced the appointment on November 4, 2026, under the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Reform Act, 1999. His tenure will begin from the date he assumes office.
The appointment is aimed at strengthening the state’s power sector, improving operational efficiency and safeguarding the interests of electricity consumers.
With more than three-and-a-half decades of administrative experience at the state and central levels, Binoy Kumar has held several important positions, including Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Steel. He has also served in the Union Ministries of Civil Aviation, Commerce, External Affairs and Defence.
Who Is Binoy Kumar?
Binoy Kumar is a retired IAS officer who belongs to the 1983/1984 batch, according to the profiles provided. He served in the erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh cadre and is originally from Bihar.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree and a Master of Arts degree in History. During his career spanning over 35 years, he served in several administrative positions at both the state and central government levels.
His experience across different departments and sectors has included responsibilities relating to industrial development, administration, infrastructure and governance.
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Served as Principal Secretary to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister
One of Binoy Kumar’s important state-level assignments was as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh during 2012–2013.
During this period, he contributed to advancing power sector reforms in the state. His work focused on improving the reliability, affordability and quality of electricity supply, along with efficient power management and sustainable reforms.
His experience in the power sector is particularly relevant to his new responsibility as Chairperson of APERC, which plays an important role in regulating the electricity sector and protecting consumer interests.
Earlier in his state career, he also held administrative positions such as Sub Collector, Deputy Secretary and Principal Secretary across different departments.
Served as Union Steel Secretary
At the central level, Binoy Kumar held senior responsibilities in several Union Ministries.
He served as Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Steel from September 1, 2018, to May 31, 2020. Before becoming Secretary, he also served as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the ministry.
His tenure in the Steel Ministry placed him at the helm of a key sector associated with India’s industrial and infrastructure development.
Apart from the Ministry of Steel, he contributed to the functioning of the Ministries of Civil Aviation, Commerce, External Affairs and Defence.
His assignments across these ministries included senior roles such as Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Director General and Joint Secretary.
Five-Year Term as APERC Chairperson
As the new Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, Binoy Kumar will oversee an institution responsible for important regulatory functions in the state’s electricity sector.
His appointment comes with a tenure of five years or until he reaches 70 years of age, whichever is earlier. The term will commence from the date he formally assumes office.
His administrative experience, particularly his earlier involvement in power sector reforms in undivided Andhra Pradesh, is expected to be relevant to his new assignment.
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