(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
Kolkata: In a landmark achievement, the West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) has reported its highest-ever operating profit of ₹1,000 crore for the financial year 2024-25—shattering its previous record of ₹812 crore set just a year earlier. This record-setting performance marks a significant turnaround for the state-owned power utility and paves the way for what is expected to be its best-ever net profit.

Chairman and Managing Director Dr. P.B. Salim, the driving force behind the corporation’s resurgence, attributed the success to a meticulously crafted tenfold strategy focusing on operational efficiency, self-reliance, and human resource development. Under his leadership, WBPDCL has not only scaled new financial heights but also earned national recognition as the top power generation utility in India, with an outstanding Plant Load Factor (PLF) of 88.9% in FY 2024-25.

A National Leader in Power Generation

Four of WBPDCL’s thermal power stations secured spots among the top ten coal-based thermal power plants in the country—solidifying the corporation’s position as a front-runner in India’s energy sector. The company’s total power generation hit a record high of 33,200 crore units, a feat unmatched in its history.

Financial Milestones and Employee Incentives

The net profit for FY 2024-25 stood at ₹324 crore, marking another milestone. In a demonstration of its sound fiscal health, WBPDCL declared a dividend of ₹104 crore to the state government and rolled out performance-linked incentives to its workforce—an encouraging move that reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusive growth.

Efficiency Over Tariff Hikes

Despite selling power to the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) at a price that has remained unchanged for the past 14 years, WBPDCL has managed to widen its profit margins. “Instead of increasing the tariff, we focused on internal efficiency and cost optimization,” said Dr. Salim. “Our gains come from working smarter, not charging more.”

Self-Reliance in Coal Procurement

One of the most transformative developments under Dr. Salim’s leadership has been the complete shift to captive coal sourcing. “In 2015, only 20% of our coal needs were met from our own mines. Today, we meet 100% of our requirements through captive sources,” he noted. This transition has led to substantial cost savings, as the price of coal extracted from WBPDCL’s own mines is significantly lower than that sourced from Coal India.

A Transparent and Empowered Workforce

On the human resource front, WBPDCL has instituted a culture of transparency and fairness in promotions, transfers, and grievance redressal. Dr. Salim emphasized that taking employees into confidence and creating a participatory environment has been integral to the corporation’s success story.

The Road Ahead

With operational benchmarks being redefined and fiscal discipline yielding impressive results, WBPDCL is setting new standards in the public power sector. The historic performance of FY 2024-25 not only reflects robust internal reforms but also charts a clear path for sustainable and inclusive growth in the years to come.