Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary of Odisha, Anu Garg, on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting of the Energy Department and power sector Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), marking her first comprehensive review of the department after assuming charge.
The meeting was attended by Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary, Energy Department; Bhaskar Sarma, CMD, OPTCL; Satya Priya Rath, MD, GRIDCO; Kedarranjan Pandu, MD, OPGC; CEOs of all four TP DISCOMs, along with Directors of power sector PSUs and senior officials of the Energy Department.
A detailed assessment of the power sector’s performance was undertaken, covering generation, transmission and distribution, power procurement, infrastructure development, renewable energy integration, and people-centric service delivery. The progress of ongoing projects and key operational and financial aspects of the utilities were also reviewed.
Chairing the meeting, the Chief Secretary underscored the need to ensure affordable, uninterrupted, reliable and quality power supply across the State, while maintaining the financial sustainability of power utilities. She stressed the importance of timely project completion, improved coordination among departments and PSUs, and a strong focus on citizen-oriented services.
Highlighting the State’s development vision, Garg advised the utilities to align their action plans with Odisha’s development priorities and reform initiatives to achieve the goal of a “Samruddha Odisha for a Viksit Bharat.”
The Chief Secretary laid special emphasis on harnessing Odisha’s potential in Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) and Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) systems, calling for the expeditious implementation of such renewable energy initiatives. She also stressed the need to accelerate critical transmission infrastructure, including the 765/400 KV substation near Bishnupur along with associated transmission lines, to strengthen power supply to the State capital region. Measures to further reduce transmission losses were also highlighted.
To ensure assured power supply, the Chief Secretary advised the development of a 220 KV ring network in key regions, including the State capital region, Keonjhar, Jharsuguda–Sambalpur, Bargarh–Sarasmal, Therubali–Jeypore and Berhampur–Baliguda areas. She directed utilities to closely monitor operation and maintenance activities to prevent disruptions in power supply.
Emphasising transparency and efficiency, Anu Garg called for an effective system of information dissemination in the power sector and directed time-bound implementation of automation and monitoring projects, including full coverage of all substations under the STAMS project within the next one year. While appreciating the proposed hotline maintenance initiatives, she stressed strict adherence to safety protocols. She also advised that major power sector projects be appropriately reflected under PM GatiShakti, and appreciated the proactive steps being taken to meet the State’s growing power demand.
Briefing the meeting, Principal Secretary, Energy Department, Vishal Dev, highlighted the ongoing initiatives and reforms in the power sector. He stated that the Department is working in close coordination with all utilities to strengthen transmission and distribution infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and ensure reliable power supply. He reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to achieving Odisha’s long-term energy goals through sustainable and technology-driven interventions.
Senior officials present at the meeting shared their perspectives on existing challenges and future strategies aimed at strengthening the power sector to meet the State’s growing energy demand.
