ISUW 2026 Speaker

Managing Director,
Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited

Shambhu Kumar is a 2010 Batch IAS officer from UP Carder. He is Managing Director of Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited (PuVVNL), who spearheaded various systemic improvements and successfully completed extraordinarily challenging tasks that significantly benefited the public. Serving a population of approximately 7.5 crore, his leadership focused on reliability, financial sustainability, and digital transformation. Infrastructure & Mahakumbh 2025 One of his most significant challenges was creating the massive electrical infrastructure for Mahakumbh 2025. Despite a very tight window due to receding river levels, his team established a "city of light" with 1,405 km of LT lines and 75,000 streetlights, achieving an unblemished safety record with zero accidents. He introduced digital innovations like geo-tagged QR codes for complaints and solar hybrid lighting, resulting in illumination so extensive it was captured by NASA astronauts. Commercial & Financial Turnaround Mr. Kumar implemented a "Supervised Billing" strategy and utilized MRI data analytics to curb theft and improve revenue realization. These efforts successfully converted 6.35 lakh "never-paid" consumers into regular payers and realized ₹1,426.05 crore through the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme. Consequently, non-government revenue increased by 6.35%, and distribution losses were significantly reduced. Digital Governance & SustainabilityHe led the DISCOM’s digital shift by implementing a geo-fenced AI-based facial attendance system for over 30,000 employees and developing custom apps for real-time substation and workshop monitoring. Furthermore, his execution of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana—facilitating 3.4 lakh registrations—was nationally recognized as the "Varanasi Model". Additionally, he is spearheading a ₹1,308 crore for modernization and smart distribution projects in Varanasi to support its growth as a global tourist destination. Reliability of ServiceThrough rigorous maintenance drives and over ₹1,000 crore in infrastructure works, he ensured that power supply hours in rural and urban areas consistently achieving official schedules.