Odisha's Power Sector Transformation Earns National Recognition After Five Years
Transforming Odisha's Power Sector: A Model for India
Odisha, a state known for its challenging terrain and high rural population, is making headlines for its remarkable transformation in the power sector. The state's power sector, once marred by inconsistent supply and inefficiency, is now a national success story, thanks to a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Odisha government and Tata Power, one of India's major private utilities.
Launched in 2020, this partnership has brought about significant changes. Over the last five years, more than 10 lakh new power connections have been added, extending service into tribal belts and underserved areas. This expansion has resulted in power availability in Odisha, both in rural and urban areas, reaching levels comparable to the national average.
The partnership has been instrumental in overcoming challenges, including frequent natural disasters like Cyclone Yaas and local storms. The nearly 15,000-strong workforce involved has effectively executed infrastructure upgrades, implemented digital customer service platforms, and enhanced grid responsiveness, contributing to service improvements comparable to the national average.
The improved power supply has had a positive social impact. Villages that once struggled with erratic power now report improved supply, enabling better education, healthcare, and economic activities. Thousands of local jobs have been created in metering, maintenance, customer service, and infrastructure development.
Tata Power, with its technical expertise, operational excellence, and commitment to renewable energy, has complemented the government’s vision under the “Viksit Odisha” agenda. The company’s proven capabilities in generation, transmission, and distribution, along with its focus on clean energy and infrastructure modernization, have been critical to this transformation.
Notably, Odisha has significantly reduced its Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses, a key metric of efficiency in the power sector. This reduction is attributed to targeted infrastructure upgrades, digital customer service platforms, and a stronger, more responsive grid.
The success of this partnership has not gone unnoticed. Odisha's power sector model is being studied for replication by policymakers, regulatory bodies, and think tanks. The model is viewed as scalable, adaptable, and rooted in accountability.
Pilot projects in decentralised solar, green skilling, and grid modernization are already underway, indicating a commitment to continued improvement and sustainability. Tata Power has initiated groundwork for a renewable energy roadmap, further emphasising its dedication to clean energy solutions.
In conclusion, Odisha's experience shows how sustained regulatory support, stakeholder commitment, and effective public-private collaboration can lead to a power sector turnaround that not only improves efficiency but also promotes social inclusion and economic development, setting a model for other Indian states. This transformation offers a rare story of governance that worked for everyone. Despite the challenges, Tata Power, through its commitment and resilience, has gradually won public trust and played a significant role in Odisha's progress.
- Enthused by the success, policymakers contemplate employing Odisha's power sector model, which boasts renewable energy focus and social inclusion, for other Indian states' transformation in their power sectors.
- Beyond power sector improvements, the model has enabled better education, healthcare, and economic activities in undervalued regions of Odisha due to the expanded power connections, demonstrating the societal benefits of sportslike partnerships.
