Rishi P. Goyal, Assistant Vice President at BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), is an electronics and communication engineer with an MBA in operations management. With over two decades of experience in process engineering, metering and power distribution, he has led turnkey projects in smart metering, automation and integrated systems. He is currently part of the strategy team at BRPL, driving new initiatives, and has previously worked with Secure Meters, Scientific & Digital Systems, the Maini Group and a distribution utility. His expertise lies in end-to-end programme delivery and managing cross-functional teams for efficient execution.
Goyal notes that India’s power sector is undergoing a dynamic transformation with ambitious goals, rising demand and a push towards sustainability. As of June 2025, India has an installed capacity of 485 GW, making it the third-largest producer and consumer of electricity, with renewables accounting for over 209 GW. The government targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capÂacity by 2030, supported by initiatives in rooftop solar and transmission. The sector is projected to attract about $460 billion in investments over the next decade, including transmission upgrades and AI-driven grid optimisation.
According to Goyal, while India’s Âpower sector has progressed significantly, challenges remain. Over 65 per cent of electricity is still coal-based, exposing the sector to supply disruptions and price volatility. State-run distribution companies face financial fragility, with accumulated losses exceeding Rs 6.5 billion in financial year 2023. Delayed tariff revisions and dependence on short-term loans further strain finances, while subsidies distort pricing, create inefficiencies and discourage private investment.
A memory that stands out for Goyal is outbidding a leading MNC to implement a large AMI programme in Australia using ZigBee RF technology. He worked almost 24×7, as teams were spread across the US, UK and Australia. He, along with his team, modelled scenarios during the design and development stages, cut down the manufacturing time from existing 1.5 minutes to less than 30 seconds using high-speed SPI communication, implemented a GS1 logistics systems to support operation time and cut down customs clearance from seven days to less than three days.
Goyal’s management style is a blend of collaborative coaching and strategic adaptability, with a belief in shared ownership. He encourages curiosity, challenges assumptions and invites out-of-the-box thinking.