Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo today reviewed the preparations of the Energy Department for power supply during the summer season. He directed the department to ensure that the power service remains normal during the summer and there is no disruption in it.

The department has made efforts for uninterrupted power supply keeping in mind the peak demand during the summer. So far, the maximum demand for April was 6087 MW, which was met successfully. The maximum demand in May is expected to be 6200 MW and in June it is expected to be 6100 MW. Compared to last year, the power demand in April has increased by 2 per cent, said the Energy Department.

OHPC to maximize the hydro power generation

Discussions have been held with OHPC to maximize the hydro power generation in the state during the peak summer. Similarly, the department has maintained coordination with thermal power plants. Along with this, power banking arrangements have been made. Discussions are underway with RSP for purchase of 50 to 100 MW of power. Along with this, arrangements have been made to purchase power from Power Exchange as per the requirement to meet the demand of the state.

Steps have been taken by the department to further strengthen the customer service system. The capacity of the call center has been increased from 100 to 150 logins per day. Missed-call and single-click facilities have been introduced so that the consumers can get live information about power service disruptions immediately. Online complaint registration has been made easy through IVRS, website, app and self-service. Advance information about power cuts is being given through social media platforms, SMS, WhatsApp and local announcements.

Officials asked to resolve consumers’ plaints

Singh Deo, who also holds the Energy portfolio, has directed the officials to take immediate steps to resolve any complaint regarding power disruption from any part of the state. He has asked to be vigilant so that power service is not disrupted during the intense heat.

He also instructed the discoms not to disconnect the power supply to domestic consumers over unpaid bills during the summer. Energy Department Additional Chief Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev, CMD OPTCL Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, MD GRIDCO Satya Priya Rath and CEO's of discoms among others were present in the meeting.