Bhubaneswar: A high-level review meeting of the Energy Department was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, who also holds the portfolios of Energy and Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment.
The meeting focused on maximizing hydropower generation during the peak summer months through discussions with the Odisha Hydropower Corporation (OHPC). The Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across the state and prevent any disruption during the summer season.
Officials informed that the department has made elaborate arrangements to meet the rising power demand. The peak demand in April has reached 6087 MW, which is being met successfully. The demand is expected to rise further to 6200 MW in May and 6100 MW in June. Notably, power demand in April this year has increased by 2% compared to the corresponding period last year.
To bridge any possible gap, the department has coordinated with thermal power plants and made power banking arrangements. Discussions are also underway with Adjacent State Power utilities (ASPs) for the purchase of 50 to 100 MW of electricity. Arrangements have been made to procure additional power from power exchanges as and when required.
The meeting also reviewed steps taken to strengthen customer service. The capacity of the call centre has been enhanced from 100 to 150 logins per day. New facilities like missed-call and single-click services have been introduced to provide consumers immediate information about power disruptions. Online complaint registration has been simplified through IVRS, website, mobile app, and self-service portals.
Officials and distribution company employees informed that advance intimation about power cuts is being given to consumers through social media, SMS, WhatsApp, and local announcements.
The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that all possible measures must be taken to ensure reliable power supply during the hot summer months.
