Women powering smarter and reliable electricity distribution across Odisha

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

Reinforcing their commitment to inclusive growth and operational excellence, Tata Power–led Odisha DISCOMs are celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 by highlighting the critical role women professionals play across their power distribution companies (DISCOMs). From metering and network operations to training and quality assurance, women engineers and technicians are strengthening reliability, transparency and consumer-centric service delivery across Odisha’s electricity distribution landscape.

As leading distribution utilities, Odisha DISCOMs recognise that robust DISCOM performance depends on skilled talent on the ground. Aligned with Tata Power’s group-wide focus on building a future-ready and inclusive workforce, they have consistently promoted women’s participation in core distribution functions through focused skilling, exposure to field operations and structured career progression across TPCODL, TPSODL, TPNODL and TPWODL.

They have taken various initiatives under CSR to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. Key programmes include specialised training for female ITI students across Odisha, the Roshni vocational training programme to enhance employability, the all-women sub-division of TPWODL demonstrating women-led power distribution operations, and the Nua Aarambha initiative supporting women professionals returning to the workforce after career breaks.

A key milestone in this journey has been the operationalisation of Odisha’s first all-women meter testing laboratories within Odisha DISCOMs’ area of operations. Managed entirely by trained women engineers and technicians, these facilities ensure the accuracy and reliability of smart meters while upholding regulatory compliance and strengthening consumer confidence - all of which are fundamental to efficient and transparent power distribution.

In addition, women professionals are increasingly contributing across other critical DISCOM institutions, including the Power Distribution Training Centre (PDTC) and NABL-accredited meter testing laboratories. These platforms equip women engineers with hands-on experience in distribution technologies, safety systems, smart metering and quality assurance, enabling them to directly support network reliability, loss reduction and improved consumer service.

Through such initiatives, Odisha DISCOMs are strengthening the technical backbone of their operations while creating meaningful opportunities for women to lead in science and engineering roles that directly impact day-to-day electricity supply and customer satisfaction.

Sharing a leadership perspective from the DISCOM ecosystem, Neha Pandey, Head of Group – Business Excellence & Customer Services, TPNODL, said, “As an electrical engineer, I have witnessed first-hand how technology and innovation, coupled with a customer-focused approach, can transform both the industry and society. My progression from a graduate trainee to leading Business Excellence and Customer Services at TPNODL has reinforced my belief that true innovation stems from blending engineering rigor with a customer-centric and national development perspective. I am proud to spearhead initiatives that enhance service reliability, foster continuous improvement, and nurture enduring consumer trust in the power utility of Odisha.”

Sharing her experience, Leena Patel, Executive Engineer - Meter Testing Lab, TPSODL, said, “Working in an all-women meter testing lab has been a defining experience for me. We handle precision testing and quality assurance of meters that directly impact consumer trust. The responsibility is immense, but so is the pride. TPSODL has created an environment where women engineers can lead with confidence, continuously upgrade their technical skills and contribute to the power sector in meaningful ways.”

Sharing her experience, Tanuja Behera, Superintending Engineer, MMG, TPCODL, said, “Being part of the power sector as a woman engineer has reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of STEM. In a role that demands technical depth, strategic thinking and decisive leadership, I see every challenge as an opportunity to innovate and grow. At TPCODL, women are encouraged to lead from the front, strengthen their expertise and inspire the next generation of girls to pursue STEM careers with confidence and purpose. Most importantly, every decision we take is guided by our commitment to deliver reliable, safe and efficient power services that put our consumers first.”

Anamika Bohidar, SDO, All Women Electrical Subdivision, Uditnagar, Rourkela, TPWODL, added, “It is important for an organization to create an inclusive environment for women in technical roles as it not only ensures equality but also improves the performance and sustainability of the distribution system. Despite stereotypes, continuous learning and teamwork have enabled strong network performance. TPWODL promotes women in leadership, while effective time management and visible women leaders inspire the next generation to pursue careers in energy.”

Odisha DISCOMs’ focus on women in science goes beyond representation to building sustainable capabilities within their operations. Women engineers are actively engaged in smart metering implementation, network maintenance, testing and calibration, safety initiatives and consumer interface functions. Structured training programmes, leadership development initiatives and supportive workplace policies further enable women professionals to contribute effectively in technically demanding distribution roles.

By integrating diversity with operational excellence, the DISCOMs continue to demonstrate how inclusive organizations can deliver stronger outcomes for consumers and communities alike. These initiatives support the company’s broader objective of building efficient, technology-driven and resilient power distribution systems across Odisha. Through continued investment in skills, infrastructure and inclusive practices, the company remains committed to enabling women to lead, innovate and power progress across the state.