Pradeep Kumar Jena Appointed Chairperson of Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission

Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC). The Odisha Energy Department issued an official notification confirming his appointment.

“In exercise of the power conferred under Sub-section 5 of Section 82 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (No. 36 of 2003), the State Government is pleased to appoint Shri Pradeep Kumar Jena, IAS (Retd.) as Chairperson, Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) with effect from the date he assumes office,” the notification stated.

The position of OERC Chairperson had been vacant since the retirement of Suresh Mohapatra. A 1989-batch IAS officer, Jena was appointed as Chief Secretary of Odisha on February 26, 2023, and retired on June 30, 2024. His vast experience in administration and governance is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening Odisha’s electricity regulatory framework and policy implementation.