Bhubaneswar (Kalinga Voice): The performance & achievements of Energy Department during the last 4 years was reviewed by Chief Minister Sri Naveen Patnaik today. The Chief Minister appreciated various initiatives undertaken by the Department in power generation, transmission, distribution & rural electrification sectors.
After the Review meeting, addressing the Media at Geeta Gobinda Sadan Sri Pratap Kehsari Deb, Minister, Energy highlighted the major achievements of the Department during last 4 years. He said that 1,320 MW of additional capacity was added to the earlier capacity of OPGC of 420 MW in 2019 to ensure energy security of the State. During this period more than 2200 NW of RE power contracted by GRIDCO (Solar- 1,158 MW & Wind- 1,050 MW). The share of RE power has increased to 10.7ofo in 2022-23 from 2.74^A in 2018-19. A progressive Renewable Energy Policy, 2022 launched with an objective to add about 10 GW of Renewable Energy capacity in the State by 2030. With the present generation contracted capacity of 8065 MW, the State is able to meet the average peak power of around 5,400 MW conveniently. Hon’ble Union Power Minister has appreciated Odisha for increase in average duration of power supply in rural areas of the State from 20.13 Hrs in 2018-19 to 23.22 Hrs in 2021-22 which is better than national average of 20.53 Hrs.
Minister Sri Deb also said that 44 nos. EHT Grids commissioned, i.e. 15 nos. 220/132 kV Grid, 28 nos. 132/33 kV Grid & 400 KV Meramundali-B GIS to strengthen the transmission infrastructure of the State. 233 new 33/11 KV primary sub-stations commissioned under ODSSP. ODSSP (Odisha Distribution System Strengthening Programme) (Phase-IV) launched with an outlay of about Rs. 1800 Cr. More than 17 lakh new LT connections & more than 72,000 new agricultural connections given. AT&C loss brought down from 30.57o/» in 2018-19 to 18.12o/» in 2022-23. More than 50 nos. of Customer Care centres in operation.
Highlighting the actions taken under 5T initiatives the Minister said that 4.11 lakh new connections provided and 5,100 consumer grievances redressed online through Mo-Bidyut. 67,103 e-certificates for electrical licensing & inspection issued by EIC (Electricity). 1,291 women SHGs engaged for metering, billing & collection activities. All these measures have been instrumental in providing quality & reliable power to the consumers and facilitating growth of industries & economy in line with the commitments of the State Government, Minister Sri Deb added.
Sri Nikunja Bihari Dhal, Principal Secretary, Energy answered various questions of the journalists. Other senior Officers of the Energy Department were also present.
