THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 25, 2026

Stepping up preparedness for the potential impact of Cyclone ‘Arnab’, TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) has activated a comprehensive disaster management plan to safeguard power distribution infrastructure, minimise supply disruptions and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of essential services across central Odisha.

The joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Odisha has activated its Business Continuity and Disaster Management Plan (BCDMP), putting in place a multi-tiered emergency response mechanism to deal with possible weather-related disruptions. Quick-response field teams, technical maintenance personnel and breakdown repair vehicles have been deployed across vulnerable coastal and interior areas to facilitate swift action in the event of damage to the electricity network.

Ensuring power supply to critical establishments, including district headquarters hospitals, community healthcare centres, major drinking water pumping stations and disaster management control offices, has been accorded top priority.

As part of its preparedness measures, TPCODL has stocked essential electrical equipment and materials at operational circles and divisional stores to expedite restoration work. The inventory includes distribution and power transformers, conductors, aerial-bunched cables, poles and line hardware. Specialised tree-pruning teams equipped with power saws have also been mobilised to clear fallen trees and branches obstructing power lines. High-mast emergency lighting systems and diesel generator sets have been kept ready to support field operations during adverse weather conditions.

The discom has also strengthened its round-the-clock surveillance and emergency response mechanism. The Central Emergency Control Room in Bhubaneswar is coordinating with circle- and division-level control centres to monitor network conditions and respond to complaints and disruptions. Engineers are using automated distribution networks and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems to track feeder loads and line conditions in real time, enabling quicker identification of faults and facilitating restoration efforts.

TPCODL is maintaining close coordination with the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), district collectors and local administration to ensure a coordinated response to weather-related emergencies and localised power disruptions.

Speaking on the preparedness measures, Gajanan Kale, Chief Odisha Distribution Business and CEO, TPCODL, said: "As Cyclone Arnab develops, our utmost priority is consumer and workforce safety alongside the resilience of critical electrical infrastructure. We have placed quick-response teams on standby, ensured adequate stock of essential materials, and activated 24×7 control rooms for real-time grid monitoring. In close coordination with government and district authorities, our teams are prepared to restore power supply safely and swiftly in any affected pocket. We urge consumers to exercise caution around power equipment and follow official advisories during severe weather."

TPCODL has urged consumers to remain vigilant and avoid approaching fallen, snapped or dangling electric wires. Such incidents, along with other electrical hazards, should be reported immediately to the company’s 24-hour toll-free helplines, 1912 and 18002027, or through its dedicated digital service channels.

Consumers have also been advised against touching electrical poles, transformers or meter boxes in waterlogged areas, operating switches or appliances with wet hands or while standing in water, and taking shelter under large trees or temporary overhead tin or asbestos sheds during strong winds and lightning. Parents have been urged to keep children away from flooded streets, open drains and exposed electrical cables.

TPCODL has further appealed to the public to follow advisories issued by state disaster management authorities and local administration as the weather system develops. The discom said its emergency response teams and restoration arrangements are in place to address potential disruptions and support the safety of consumers across its operational areas.