Odisha Energy Department on high alert to ensure uninterrupted power during Cyclone ‘Montha’

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 27, 2025

As Cyclone ‘Montha’ approaches the Odisha coast, the State Government has intensified preparedness measures to ensure minimal disruption to essential services. Hon’ble Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management reviewed the readiness of various departments, including the Energy Department, in a high-level meeting attended by the Development Commissioner, ACS-cum-Special Relief Commissioner, Principal Secretary (Energy), and other senior officials.

The Energy Department presented a comprehensive action plan to safeguard power infrastructure and ensure continuous electricity supply across the state. DISCOMs and OPTCL have been placed on high alert, with pre-cyclone and post-cyclone response protocols activated to enable swift restoration in case of outages.

Preventive maintenance of primary and distribution substations (33 KV/11 KV lines) has been completed, and adequate stocks of transformers, poles, and conductors have been secured at key locations. Field teams equipped with pole masters, man-lifters, and tree pruners are on standby for rapid deployment. Central control rooms in each DISCOM are operating round the clock to coordinate with field teams, while strengthened call centre support ensures timely communication with consumers.

Over 8,000 personnel from TPSODL and TPWODL, along with a sufficient fleet of vehicles, have been mobilised for emergency response. Mobile distribution substations and additional transit stores have been readied to ensure quick access to materials. Tower wagons have been deployed for tree-cutting operations, and interposing poles installed to reinforce vulnerable power lines. Each division has been equipped with ASKA lights, DG sets, and water pumps to aid emergency restoration efforts.

Special arrangements have been made to maintain uninterrupted power supply to hospitals, water supply systems, and other critical facilities, with particular attention to eight high-alert districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur.

People have been advised to stay indoors during high winds, avoid electrical equipment during rain or flooding, and keep children away from waterlogged areas. Power-related emergencies can be reported through the 24×7 toll-free helpline 1912.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Energy Department said that it remains fully geared with proactive planning, real-time monitoring, and coordinated action with district administrations and disaster management authorities to ensure a reliable power supply during Cyclone ‘Montha’.