Odisha Chief Secretary reviewed the preparedness of the Electric power Distribution Companies for quick restoration of power supply

Bhubaneswar:12/6/23:  Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena today reviewed the preparedness of the Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) for quick restoration of power supply in aftermath of Kalabaisakhi, Thunder storm etc. ACS, Energy Nikunja Bihari Dhal, Director (Regulatory), OERC, CEOs & COOs of the DISCOMs, MD, GRIDCO and Director (F&CA), GRIDCO attended the meeting.

Jena mentioned that as per IMD predications, the extreme heat wave condition in the State shall continue, which may cause increase in power disruptions. Therefore, the DISCOMs need to have adequate measures in place to prevent frequent power disruptions and ensure quick restoration.

CEOs of the DISCOMs apprised about requisite mobilization of manpower & material to meet these exigencies. DISCOMs also informed about enhanced capacity of Customer Call Centers and dedicated teams engaged for responding to consumer’s grievances in social media. DISCOMs stated that Capex proposals for system strengthening are submitted for OERC approval.

ACS, Energy apprised that, Energy Department has instructed DISCOMs for gearing up the pre-monsoon tree pruning activity, so as to minimize damage due to cyclones, nor’westers etc. He further advised the DISCOMs to put up good quality insulators in coastal areas and replace damaged insulators, so that conductor snapping can be avoided.

In view of the scorching heat and high humidity, the DISCOMs have been instructed to ensure various activities as per their Disaster Management Plan. The DISCOMs were also advised to be more active in social media. The response should be quick & specific to the issues raised in various platforms.

OPTCL & DISCOMs were also advised to prepare long-term Transmission & Distribution plan for next 10-15 year demand growth & industrialization. Instead of yearly Capex plan, DISCOMs were advised to submit multi-year Capex plan, preferably for 3-5 years.

DISCOMs were further advised to make an action plan for meeting the projected load growth in various municipal corporation areas/ ULBs, viz. Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, Berhampur, Sambalpur& Rourkela etc., as well as in rural areas.

Since DISCOMs have proposed to take up various system improvement works under their CAPEX plan, the OERC was requested to take note of urgency and accord necessary approval of the same.

DISCOMs have been advised to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the ensuing car festival of Lord Shri Jagannath throughout the State.

DISCOMs should run 24×7 Control Room to monitor the restoration works by the Business Associates. BAs must provide adequate manpower & equipment such as pole erectors/ pole masters, DG sets, inflatable tower lights etc.to work in shifts.

Performance of DISCOM Divisions, Sub-Divisions & Sections must be monitored regularly & inefficiencies in the system must be removed.

In case of specific problems requiring a delayed resolution, adequate information may be given to the consumers well in advance. However, such situations shall be avoided or reduced to bare minimum.