Additional 973 project workers on standby; 24×7 control rooms, specialised restoration teams and critical equipment deployed across Western Odisha

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BURLA, OCTOBER 26, 2026

 In a comprehensive preparedness drive to safeguard electricity infrastructure and minimise disruptions amid the approaching Cyclone ‘Arnab’, TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) has mobilised 8,658 personnel and placed critical emergency resources on standby across Western Odisha. The company has activated its Business Continuity and Disaster Management Plan, prioritising public safety, operational preparedness and the earliest possible restoration of power supply in the event of weather-related disruptions.

With adverse weather conditions posing potential challenges to electricity networks, TPWODL has mobilised 8,658 personnel, comprising 7,675 annual maintenance contract (AMC) personnel and 983 company employees. An additional 973 skilled and unskilled project workers have been kept on standby to strengthen emergency response and restoration operations. Specialised restoration teams have been positioned in Bargarh, Balangir, Kalahandi and Nuapada districts, identified as potentially affected areas based on forecasts issued by the Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar.

To facilitate prompt restoration of electricity supply in the event of damage to the distribution network, TPWODL has readied essential equipment and materials, including eight mobile distribution substations, 17 diesel generator (DG) sets, 626 manual and motorised tree pruners, and 324 vehicles. The company's emergency inventory also includes 621 distribution transformers, 10 power transformers and 10,950 poles, along with substantial stocks of conductors, cables and other electrical materials required for repairing damaged infrastructure and restoring power supply at the earliest.

As part of its round-the-clock monitoring and emergency coordination mechanism, TPWODL has activated its 24×7 Power System Control Centre (PSCC) at Burla. The centre will continuously monitor network operations, assess emerging situations and coordinate response measures to facilitate timely action. Area-level control centres at Balangir and Kalahandi, along with activated divisional control rooms, will further strengthen coordination between control room personnel and field teams during adverse weather conditions. To ensure communication continuity in the event of disruptions to conventional communication networks, satellite phones have also been provided to key operational officials.

TPWODL has simultaneously strengthened its consumer communication and complaint-handling mechanisms to ensure that consumers can access assistance and report electricity-related emergencies without delay. Consumers can contact the company's 24×7 toll-free helplines, 1912 and 1800-2028, for reporting power outages and other electricity-related emergencies. Complaints can also be registered through the company's official website, My Tata Power App, WhatsApp, Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) and missed-call service at 97777 74511. In addition, outage-related information and updates will be shared through the company's social media platform, X, to keep consumers informed during the cyclone response.

Commenting on the preparedness measures, Parveen Verma, CEO, TPWODL, said, “As Cyclone Arnab approaches, our foremost priority is to safeguard public safety and minimise power disruptions through advance planning, effective coordination and a swift response. We have mobilised our personnel, positioned specialised restoration teams in potentially affected areas and kept essential equipment and materials ready to address emergencies. Our teams remain on standby to respond promptly and restore electricity supply at the earliest possible opportunity wherever disruptions occur.”

As part of its public safety advisory, TPWODL has urged consumers to exercise extreme caution during heavy rain, strong winds and flooding. Consumers have been advised not to touch electrical poles, overhead wires or electrical equipment, particularly in waterlogged areas, and to avoid handling electrical appliances with wet hands or while standing in water. People have also been urged to remain indoors during strong winds and maintain a safe distance from trees, temporary structures and other potentially hazardous objects. Parents and guardians have been advised to keep children away from open drains, flooded roads and waterlogged areas to prevent accidents.

TPWODL continues to closely monitor the evolving weather situation and coordinate preparedness measures across its operational areas. With personnel, restoration teams, emergency equipment, communication systems and essential repair materials in readiness, the company remains focused on protecting consumers, strengthening network resilience and ensuring the earliest possible restoration of electricity supply throughout the cyclone response.