Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, chaired a crucial review meeting of the Energy Department on Wednesday at the Conference Hall in Kharvela Bhavan. The meeting focused on the progress and future plans of Odisha’s power distribution companies, including OPTCL, TPCODL, TPNODL, TPSODL, and TPWODL.
In attendance were Principal Secretary of the Department Hemant Kumar Sharma, along with senior officials from Tata Power and OPTCL. The agenda included a comprehensive review of ongoing projects and future work to be carried out over the next five years, aimed at enhancing Odisha’s power infrastructure and ensuring reliable electricity supply.
Singh Deo began the meeting by expressing his gratitude to the officials for their prompt action in restoring power following Cyclone Dana. He emphasized the importance of completing the ongoing 33/11 KV power grid and substation projects across the state by 2025 and called for the renovation and upgrade of older transformers and grids to strengthen the power supply network.
The Energy Minister also underscored the urgency of accelerating power supply infrastructure along the Elephant Corridor and surrounding areas. He directed officials to prioritize the identification of key locations to enhance power distribution in these critical areas.
One of the key discussions at the meeting was the objective to provide electricity to 100% of households in Odisha. Singh Deo reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to electricity, which will be a vital step towards the state’s overall development and prosperity.
Tata Power officials reported that the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme is progressing well and is expected to benefit around 2.5 lakh consumers. The remaining work on this initiative is scheduled for completion by March 2025.
Additionally, the meeting covered the identification of new grid locations in areas with high power demand. Plans are in motion to either set up new grids or enhance the capacity of existing ones by connecting these areas to nearby substations with lower loads.
Singh Deo concluded the meeting by emphasizing that the government aims to establish a robust and efficient power infrastructure that will ensure stable and uninterrupted electricity supply, fueling the state’s growth and development.
