Tata Power Odisha Discoms invest over Rs.4200 crores in network expansion and upgradation

National: Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies, is committed to transforming power distribution in Odisha. Through its joint ventures, with the Government of Odisha, the company is operating 4 Discoms- TP Central Odisha Distribution (TPCODL), TP Western Odisha Distribution (TPWODL), TP Southern Odisha Distribution (TPSODL) and TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL), serving a customer base of over 9 million in Odisha.

Over the past 3-4 years, Tata Power-led Odisha Discoms have invested Rs. 4245 crores in infrastructure expansion and network upgradation out of which Rs. 1232 crores have also been invested through various government-backed schemes. This includes laying 2177 Ckms. of 33 KV lines and 19809 Ckms. of 11 KV lines and adding 30,230 Distribution Transformers to enhance the distribution network’s reliability in both rural and urban areas. 166 new Primary Substations (PSS) have been commissioned out of which 55% PSS are automated. These efforts have resulted in an average of 23.68 hours of power supply per day in urban areas and 21.98 hours in rural areas, both surpassing national averages.

As per the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) report titled ‘All India Energy Statistics Report 2023’, Odisha’s per capita consumption has witnessed a 31% rise since the privatization of power distribution in 2020. The enhanced reliability has resulted in the addition of over 10 lakh new electricity connections in the state.

The sprucing up of the network has resulted in a significant reduction in Aggregate Transmission and Distribution (AT&C) losses, with an average of 17.79% in Odisha in FY24. Approximately an average of 11% loss reduction has been managed across all four Discoms in the last 3-4 years of operations.

Technology lies at the core of the network and infrastructure upgrades for uninterrupted power supply across Tata Power Discoms. Major steps taken by the Discoms in this domain include real-time monitoring and surveillance through the 17 Centralized and Area-specific Power System Control Centres (PSCCs), which have been set up and operationalized to manage and monitor real-time power availability and network issues. These PSCCs, established across major circles, enable remote monitoring and control of the distribution network, successfully meeting the increased peak demand in the state. Additionally, the implementation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to monitor substations and networks, and the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for consumer tagging and network mapping have been instrumental. LT protection systems and drone-based monitoring for predictive maintenance have also been utilized.

These network upgradation and technological advancements have also been recognised at the national level. Three of the Odisha Discoms have achieved A+ ratings in the 12th Annual Integrated Rating and Ranking of Power Distribution Utilities (published in March 2024), placing them among the top 10 utilities evaluated by the Ministry of Power. With Financial Sustainability and Performance Excellence as the key pillars, the company’s Discoms are delivering excellent service and providing reliable & quality power to consumers. All 4 Discoms have also seen improved rankings in the latest Consumer Service Ratings of Discoms (CSRD) Report for FY’23 released by the Ministry of Power, with an A rating for operational reliability.

Tata Power’s commitment to transforming Odisha goes beyond financial investments and infrastructure improvements, embodying the spirit of progress and resilience. The company’s initiatives reflect a commitment to sustainable development and customer satisfaction, contributing to India’s journey towards a brighter and more prosperous future.