Chandigarh: In a major academic-industry collaboration, state-run Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (POWERGRID) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh to set up the “POWERGRID Centre of Excellence” under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The centre, aimed at fostering innovation, research, and skill development, will be established at an estimated cost of ₹17 crore.
MoU Signed in Presence of Top Officials
The MoU was signed by Mr Tarun Bajaj, Executive Director (NR-II), POWERGRID, and Prof. Rajesh K. Bhatia, Director (Ad-interim) of PEC.
The signing ceremony was graced by-
- Mr Rajeev Verma, IAS, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh-UT
- Mr. R.K. Tyagi, CMD, POWERGRID
- Ms. Prerna Puri, IAS, Secretary, Education, Chandigarh Administration
Also present were senior officials from POWERGRID including–
- Sh. Vikram Singh Bhal, ED (CMG-CC)
- Sh. Jasbir Singh, ED (CSR)
Various HODs, faculty members from PEC, and officials from Chandigarh’s Technical Education Department.
Centre to Drive Innovation and Learning
The proposed Centre of Excellence will open new avenues for student learning, skill enhancement, research, and industry-driven innovation. As part of POWERGRID’s strategic CSR push, this initiative seeks to bridge the gap between industry needs and academic output, especially in the power and infrastructure sectors.
The centre will be fully funded by POWERGRID, reaffirming the company’s commitment to education and technological advancement in the region.
About Power Grid Corporation of India
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited is an Indian central public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Power, Government of India. It is engaged mainly in transmission of bulk power across different states of India. It is headquartered in Gurugram. As India’s central transmission utility, POWERGRID is responsible for interstate electricity transmission, grid management, and renewable integration. It also provides consultancy and leads innovations in smart grid and digital infrastructure development.
MoU signed with @_PECChandigarh to establish POWERGRID Centre of Excellence under CSR, by Sh.Tarun Bajaj, ED(NR-II) & Prof.Rajesh Bhatia, Director, PEC in presence of Sh.Rajeev Verma, CS, Chandigarh, Sh.R.K. Tyagi, CMD, POWERGRID, Ms.Prerna Puri, Secy. Education, Chandigarh.(1/2) pic.twitter.com/sP2DjkeRgp
— POWERGRID (@pgcilindia) June 7, 2025
