THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
JULY 18, 2026
Odisha's power
distribution sector received a major boost as Chief Secretary Anu Garg reviewed
the performance of the State's four power distribution companies — TPCODL,
TPNODL, TPSODL and TPWODL — during the Board Meetings of the DISCOMs on
Saturday, with a strong focus on renewable energy expansion, operational
efficiency, network strengthening and smart metering initiatives.
The high-level review
was attended by Vishal Kumar Dev, Additional Chief Secretary to Government,
Electronics & IT and Energy Department, the CMD of GRIDCO, and the Board
Members, Managing Directors, CEOs and CFOs of all four DISCOMs.
Reviewing the
progress under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft
Bijli Yojana (PMSG-MBY), the Chief Secretary appreciated the DISCOMs for
their impressive performance in accelerating rooftop solar adoption across
Odisha. The State has recorded 1,56,606 rooftop solar installations, including
92,280 under PMSG-MBY and 64,326 under the ULA Scheme, placing Odisha among the
top ten performing states in the country under the flagship programme.
The Chief Secretary
also directed the DISCOMs to fast-track implementation of the PM-KUSUM 2.0
scheme to further strengthen renewable energy adoption across the State. The
utilities were also commended for receiving Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy (MNRE) awards during the 'Month of Solar Campaign' for their outstanding
performance in solar applications, installations and inspections under
PMSG-MBY.
The Board expressed
satisfaction over the sustained reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial
(AT&C) losses across all four DISCOMs since their takeover, highlighting
significant gains in operational efficiency and financial performance.
The meeting also
reviewed the reliability of power supply across Odisha and appreciated the
DISCOMs for ensuring uninterrupted, safe and reliable electricity supply during
Rath Yatra 2026, effectively managing peak power demand, achieving a zero Power
Transformer (PTR) failure rate, and consistently improving key reliability
indices year after year.
The Board further reviewed the capital expenditure made by the four DISCOMs over the past five years and noted that the investments have substantially enhanced safety standards, strengthened distribution infrastructure, supported load growth and significantly improved the reliability of the State's power network, resulting in better service delivery for consumers.
In a major reform aimed at promoting digital energy management, the State Government has decided to convert all government electricity connections from post-paid to pre-paid smart meters with effect from August 2026. Government consumers opting for pre-paid smart metering will be entitled to a 4 per cent rebate on their monthly electricity bills, a move expected to improve energy efficiency, billing discipline and cost savings.
