Rakesh Nath has more than 45 years of varied experience in Power Sector Planning, Operation & Maintenance of Thermal and Hydro Power Stations and Transmission System, Regulation of water supply from multi-purpose hydro projects, Power System Operation, Power Trading, electricity regulatory affairs and adjudication.

He was Technical Member, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) from March, 2010 to May 2015, wherein he dealt with the Appeals filed against the orders of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and various State Electricity Regulatory Commissions. The Appeal against the judgment of APTEL lies in the Supreme Court. He was Chairman, Central Electricity Authority and Ex-officio Secretary to Government of India from October 2005 to March 2010. During this period, he was also ex-officio Member of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. Prior to this, from 2001 to 2005 he was Chairman, Bhakra-Beas Management Board. He also worked as a whole time Director of Power Trading Corporation. He has been Member Secretary of Northern and Western Regional Electricity Boards (now RPCs).

He was a part time Director of Nuclear Power Corporation from 2005 to 2013.

He has been the Chairman of Environmental Appraisal Committee of Ministry of Environment on Hydro Power from 2010 to 2013.

He is currently Independent Director of GE T&D of India. He is a member of Advisory Board of IEX. He is a partner, RNSM Energy Advisors LLP which provides regulatory and legal consultancy services in electricity sector.