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Bhubaneswar, 10/1/2026 ( Odisha Samachar/ Rajat Mohapatra )-The Chief Secretary of Odisha, Smt. AnuGarg,IAS today chaired a high-level review meeting of the Energy Department and power sector Public Sector Undertakings, marking her first review of the Department after assuming charge.
The meeting was attended by Shri Vishal Dev, IAS, Principal Secretary, Energy Department; ShriBhaskarSarma, IAS, CMD, OPTCL; Dr. SatyaPriyaRath, IAS, MD, GRIDCO; ShriKedarranjanPandu, MD, OPGC; CEOs of all four TP DISCOMs, Directors of various power sector PSUs and senior officers of the Energy Department.
During the meeting, a detailed review was undertaken on the overall performance of the power sector covering generation, transmission and distribution, power procurement, infrastructure development, renewable energy integration and people centric services. Progress of ongoing projects and key operational and financial aspects of the utilities were also discussed.
Chairing the review, the Chief Secretary emphasised the need for ensuring affordable, uninterrupted, reliable and quality power supply across the State while maintaining the sustainability of the power utilities. She underscored the importance of timely completion of projects, improved coordination among the Departments and PSUs and a strong focus on people-centric service delivery. The Chief Secretary advised the utilities to align their action plans with the State’s development priorities and reform initiatives to achieve the goal of a SamruddhaOdisha for a Viksit Bharat.
She further emphasised on harnessing the Pumped Storage Project (PSP) and Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) potential of the State and called for expeditious implementation of all such projects. The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of accelerating critical transmission infrastructure, including the 765/400 KV substation near Bishnupur along with associated transmission lines, to strengthen power supply to the State capital region. She also emphasised the need to take necessary steps to further reduce transmission losses in the State.
For ensuring assured power supply, the Chief Secretary advised development of a 220 KV ring network in key regions including the State capital region, Keonjhar, Jharsuguda–Sambalpur region, Bargarh–Sarasmal region, Therubali–Jeypore region and Berhampur–Baliguda region. She directed the utilities to closely monitor operation and maintenance activities to ensure uninterrupted power supply across the State.
The Chief Secretary further stressed the need for an effective system of information dissemination in the power sector and called for time-bound implementation of system automation and monitoring projects, including expeditious coverage of all substations under the STAMS project within the next one year. While appreciating the proposed hotline maintenance initiatives, she emphasised strict adherence to all safety protocols. She also advised that major power sector projects be appropriately reflected under PM GatiShakti and appreciated the proactive measures being taken to meet the State’s growing power demand.
Principal Secretary, Energy Department, ShriDev, briefed the Chief Secretary on the initiatives and reforms being undertaken in the power sector. He stated that the Energy Department is working in close coordination with all utilities to strengthen transmission and distribution infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and ensure reliable power supply to all. He reiterated the Department’s commitment to achieving the State’s long-term energy goals through sustainable and technology-driven interventions.
Senior officials present in the meeting shared their views on challenges and future strategies aimed at strengthening the power sector to meet the growing demand of the State.
