POWERGRID sets up Centre of Excellence at PEC Chandigarh UPDATED

Chandigarh: Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) has established a Centre of Excellence at Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

POWERGRID CMD Vamsi Rama Mohan Burra formally handed over the facility to PEC Director Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia on October 5. The project was implemented under an MoU signed between POWERGRID and PEC on June 6, 2025, at an estimated cost of ₹17.19 crore.

The handing-over ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Yatindra Dwivedi, Director (Personnel), Akhilesh Pathak, Director (Projects), Naveen Kumar, CVO, Tarun Bajaj, ED, Northern Region-II, and other senior officials of POWERGRID and Punjab Engineering College.

The centre aims to promote innovation, research and development in the power sector, address emerging technological challenges and develop a skilled workforce equipped to meet the changing requirements of the industry.

Speaking at the event, Burra said strengthening academic and research infrastructure was essential for developing future talent, advancing technology and creating sustainable value for society. He said POWERGRID remained committed to supporting education, research and innovation through its CSR initiatives.

The new facility is expected to strengthen PEC’s academic and research ecosystem, benefiting students, faculty and researchers while encouraging innovation and sustainable practices in engineering and technology.

POWERGRID undertakes CSR programmes in education, healthcare, skill development, rural and community development and infrastructure.

As of September 30, 2026, the company was operating 293 substations, more than 1,87,576 circuit km of transmission lines and 6,49,116 MVA of transformation capacity, with average transmission system availability above 99.81%.