Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena on Monday urged the Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) to address the electricity supply problems immediately.
Chairing a review meeting to take stock of preparedness of DISCOMs) for early restoration of power supply after the thunderstorm and nor’wester, the Chief Secretary asked the companies to take immediate steps whenever power disruption is reported and to carry out quick restoration work.
Jena informed that as per IMD predications, the extreme heat wave condition in the State is likely continue, which may cause increase in power disruptions. Hence, the distribution companies need to have adequate measures in place to prevent frequent power disruptions and ensure quick restoration, the Chief Secretary insisted.
At the meeting, CEOs of the DISCOMs informed about requisite mobilization of manpower & material to meet these exigencies. They also informed about enhanced capacity of Customer Call Centers and dedicated teams engaged for responding to consumer’s grievances in social media. DISCOMs further stated that Capex proposals for system strengthening are submitted for OERC approval.
ACS , Energy Nikunja Bihari Dhal said that the Energy Department has instructed DISCOMs for gearing up the pre-monsoon tree pruning activity, so as to minimize damage due to cyclones, nor’westers etc.
He has instructed the DISCOMs to put up good quality insulators in coastal areas and replace damaged insulators, so that conductor snapping can be avoided.
Considering the scorching heat and high humidity, the DISCOMs have been asked to ensure various activities as per their Disaster Management Plan. The DISCOMs were also advised to be more active in social media. The response should be quick & specific to the issues raised in various platforms.
DISCOMs have also been asked to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the annual Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath.