Odisha Targets 3 Lakh Solar Homes, Reviews DISCOM Efficiency

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on April 22 reviewed the performance and future roadmap of power distribution companies (DISCOMs), with a strong focus on improving service delivery, reducing losses, and accelerating the transition to clean energy.

The 29th Board meetings of DISCOMs were chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhawan. The review covered key utilities including TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL), TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL), TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), and TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL).

Discussions focused on ensuring reliable power supply, reducing technical and commercial losses, improving consumer services, and strengthening infrastructure to deliver uninterrupted electricity across the state.

A key highlight of the meeting was Odisha’s progress in clean energy adoption under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The state has reported 55,888 rooftop solar installations under the scheme, supplemented by another 29,000 installations through the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) initiative, taking the total to 84,888 systems. Officials said Odisha currently leads the country in implementation under the ULA scheme.

The government has set a target of covering 3 lakh households under rooftop solar, with plans to scale up installations to 25,000 per month in the coming phases. Special initiatives in villages like Matiakhal, Olaba, and Debabhuin have enabled 280 households to receive electricity with zero monthly bills, significantly easing financial burdens.

Operational efficiency has also improved significantly, with Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses reduced from 29.5 per cent in 2019–20 to 14.6 per cent in 2025–26. In national rankings, TPNODL secured the second position, while TPCODL ranked fourth among non-urban distribution utilities. Notably, retail power tariffs have remained unchanged in the state for the past five years.

DISCOMs have also expanded their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, spending ₹17 crore in 2025–26 and planning ₹20 crore for 2026–27. Efforts include operating 16 mobile health dispensaries in remote areas and running 20 vocational training centres to enhance employability, with further expansion planned.

Reviewing the performance, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for prompt grievance redressal, improved service quality, and enhanced safety standards in power distribution. She also underlined the importance of scaling up renewable energy initiatives and strengthening CSR efforts to support inclusive development.