Around 91pc of affected consumers reconnected by 3 PM on October 29; over 400 field personnel working round the clock to restore the remaining connections

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BURLA, OCTOBER 29, 2026

Demonstrating a swift and coordinated response to the power supply disruptions caused by Cyclone ‘Arnab’, TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) has restored electricity to more than 7.62 lakh consumers across Balangir, Sonepur, Nuapada and Kalahandi districts. As of 3 PM on October 29, the company had restored power supply to 7,62,049 of the 8,38,405 affected consumers, achieving approximately 91% restoration. With over 400 field personnel working round the clock, TPWODL is making sustained efforts to restore electricity to all remaining affected consumers by the end of the day.

The cyclone and associated adverse weather conditions disrupted power supply across the four districts from October 28, affecting multiple sections of the electricity distribution network. Responding promptly to the situation, TPWODL mobilised field teams, assessed the extent of infrastructure damage and initiated extensive repair and restoration operations to ensure the earliest possible resumption of electricity supply while adhering to essential safety protocols.

According to the operational update covering the period from midnight on October 28 to 3 PM on October 29, 110 of the 118 affected 33 kV feeders had been restored. Similarly, 879 of the 995 affected 11 kV feeders had been brought back into service, while 14 of the 19 affected 33/11 kV substations had been restored. These efforts reflect the continued progress made by the company in reviving critical components of the distribution network and reconnecting affected consumers.

The cyclone also impacted 27,830 distribution transformers, of which 27,185 had been restored by the reporting time. The reported physical damage to the distribution network included 11 damaged poles, 34 conductor snaps and approximately 430 metres of damaged low-tension (LT) cable. Restoration teams are working on repairing the damaged infrastructure, addressing network faults and reconnecting consumers in the affected areas, with due emphasis on the safety of both personnel and the public.

Throughout the restoration drive, TPWODL’s control rooms have been closely monitoring the situation and coordinating response measures with field teams, the local administration and emergency services. Equipped with appropriate safety gear, essential tools and repair materials, field personnel continue to work on the remaining affected sections of the network. The coordinated deployment of manpower and resources is aimed at expediting restoration while ensuring that all repairs are carried out in accordance with prescribed safety standards.

With restoration activities progressing at full pace, TPWODL is targeting 100% restoration of power supply by the end of October 29. The company remains committed to completing the remaining work as quickly and efficiently as possible, while ensuring that damaged electrical infrastructure is thoroughly inspected and deemed safe before being re-energised. The continued efforts of field personnel and the close monitoring of restoration activities are expected to facilitate the return to normal electricity supply across the affected areas.

As part of its public safety advisory, TPWODL has urged residents to maintain a safe distance from fallen power lines, damaged electricity poles and exposed electrical equipment. Consumers are advised to report any such hazards through the company’s official consumer service channels and refrain from attempting to handle, move or repair damaged electrical installations themselves. Such precautions are essential to prevent electrical accidents and ensure public safety during the ongoing restoration process.

TPWODL remains committed to restoring normalcy at the earliest and ensuring safe, reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers across its operational area. The company continues to prioritise the restoration of the remaining affected connections, with its teams working tirelessly to complete the exercise and bring the distribution network back to normal following the impact of Cyclone ‘Arnab’.