Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Friday stepped up its attack on the state government over power tariffs, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Additional Security Deposit (ASD) imposed on domestic electricity consumers and free power for agricultural use.
Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das said the Congress was seeking 300 units of free electricity per month for all domestic consumers in the state. He accused power distribution companies, particularly Tata Power, of unfairly burdening household consumers despite Odisha being a power-surplus state.
“Odisha produces electricity at a relatively low cost using its own coal and water resources. Yet, domestic consumers here are among the most exploited in the country,” Das alleged.
He pointed out that all four power distribution companies operating in Odisha have introduced additional security deposits, which he said was unjustified. Drawing a comparison with other states, Das claimed Punjab—despite sourcing coal from Odisha—has waived electricity charges for agricultural consumers and provides 300 units of free power to households.
The OPCC president further alleged that agriculture accounts for only about two per cent of Odisha’s total electricity consumption, while domestic usage stands at around seven to eight per cent. Industries, he said, consume the bulk of power, yet farmers and households continue to receive no relief.
“If required, the government can marginally increase power tariffs for industries. Even a small hike would be sufficient to provide free electricity to farmers and domestic consumers,” Das asserted.
Announcing a statewide protest, Das said Congress workers would lock down electricity offices across Odisha on December 29 to press for their demands.
