Understanding the Power Debate in Odisha

By PRIYABRAT

In the era of smartphones and instant gratification, social media has evolved into a double-edged sword. While it empowers consumers to voice their concerns, it has also become a breeding ground for misinformation, exaggeration, and, at times, misplaced outrage. One sector increasingly finding itself in the eye of this digital storm is power distribution — particularly in Odisha, where the baton was passed from CESU to Tata Power just five years ago.

A quick scroll through local social media handles reveals a worrying trend — users venting their frustrations about minor power disruptions, tariff hikes, and billing discrepancies not by contacting the distribution company (discom) directly, but by broadcasting their grievances to the online world. This digital whistleblowing often takes the shape of mocking memes, sarcastic posts, and one-sided rants aimed more at gathering ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ than seeking genuine redressal.

To be clear, there are authentic complaints. Genuine users facing prolonged outages or billing issues have every right — and sometimes no other option — but to raise their voices. Many such cases have been responsibly handled and resolved by Tata Power, reflecting the company’s evolving grievance redressal system. However, the same platforms have also become havens for individuals with questionable intentions — including those previously involved in illegal power use through hooking, meter tampering, or collusion with corrupt insiders — now trying to tarnish the image of the discom that is actively tightening the noose around such practices.

To understand the present, one must recall the past. Odisha’s electricity distribution landscape has undergone a significant evolution — from the days of OSEB (Orissa State Electricity Board) to CESU (Central Electricity Supply Utility) and eventually to Tata Power. This transformation hasn’t just been a change in nameplates; it’s been a systematic overhaul of infrastructure, operations, and service delivery.

When Tata Power took over the Central Electricity Supply Utility in 2020, it inherited a power utility in disarray. Infrastructure was outdated, revenue leakage was rampant, arrears had ballooned, and the workforce was bloated and demotivated. Turning this around in just five years was no small feat. And yet, there has been visible progress.

Today, power supply is far more reliable, even in remote rural pockets. Transformer failures and feeder faults are addressed faster than ever before. Infrastructure, though still a work in progress in some areas, is steadily improving. Smart meters are being installed. Digital payment modes have been introduced. The number of power cuts has dropped. Rural and semi-urban areas that once had to plan their evenings around load-shedding now enjoy a mostly uninterrupted supply.

Yet, the irony is hard to ignore — while people once grudgingly accepted long blackouts as a way of life, they now take to social media to complain about a 30-minute power cut, reflecting both the improvement in expectations and the volatility of perception.

Criticism — when constructive — is welcome and essential. Instances of poor service, mishandled complaints, or technical faults must be flagged. But it becomes problematic when this turns into trolling or orchestrated defamation, especially from groups who may have lost illegitimate benefits due to reforms and tighter monitoring.

Furthermore, some consumers appear to overlook the economic realities of power distribution. Power tariffs, for instance, are not arbitrarily decided by the discoms. Rates are fixed by the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) after extensive stakeholder consultations and cost analyses. Blaming discoms for tariff hikes is akin to blaming petrol pump owners for rising fuel prices — misdirected and uninformed.

It is also important to remember that quality comes with a cost. We can’t expect world-class power infrastructure and 24/7 supply while resisting even a modest price hike. Ironically, we often remain silent about rising costs of groceries, but grow agitated over a few extra rupees on the power bill — despite electricity being a vital enabler for livelihood, education, and health.

The way forward lies not in outrage, but in outreach. Discoms must realise that social media isn’t just a battleground — it’s an opportunity. Ignoring posts can damage reputation, but reacting too defensively can spark a backlash. A balanced approach is necessary: monitor social media closely, investigate complaints sincerely, and respond respectfully — not reactively.

To prevent misinformation and build trust, the discoms must step up public engagement. They should conduct regular awareness camps to educate consumers about power usage, billing processes, smart meters, and tariff structures. This apart, public hearings at block and district levels, particularly in rural areas, can help gather direct feedback from consumers and address their concerns in real time. Dedicated grievance redressal days, where consumers can meet local officials without bureaucracy, should be organised to bridge the gap between consumers and service providers. Digital literacy drives can also play a crucial role in helping users understand how to lodge complaints through official apps or helplines, rather than resorting to online outbursts that may not be productive.

On the consumer side, a shift in perspective is also needed. Constructive engagement, responsibility in usage, and a bit more patience and perspective can help the system function better for all.

Odisha’s power sector is at an inflection point. The transition from public to private management has brought challenges, but also undeniable progress. The future of electricity in the state will not just be shaped by how well Tata Power performs, but by how responsibly consumers participate in the process.

Let social media remain a tool for transparency — not for trolling. And let discoms use it not as a source of fear, but as a feedback loop for continuous improvement. Because in the end, power — both electric and democratic — works best when it flows in both directions.