Balasore : Within ju st a few years of taking charge of electricity distribution in Northern Odisha, TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL) has set an example in the field of power sector reforms. The company, responsible for electricity distribution in Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Jajpur districts, has made notable improvements in service quality and safety, ensuring the protection of consumer interests.
Due to the commitment of responsible officers and field workers, customers today are experiencing reliable electricity supply even in areas once considered difficult to serve. Remarkable progress has been made in Northern Odisha in terms of power supply quality and system upgrades. TPNODL has especially focused on modernization and technical efficiency in distribution.
Through advanced SCADA-based system control, management of 11kV and 33kV power distribution has been streamlined. Technical faults can now be identified and resolved more easily. Systems like fault locators, auto-reclosers, pole-mounted DTs, underground cabling, and drain-based thermography have ensured high-quality and uninterrupted electricity delivery.
With increasing consumer demands, TPNODL has also increased the number of staff and reduced incidents of unscheduled power cuts and low-voltage issues. The number of transformers has increased, and each one is now enclosed with proper fencing or protective wiring. Both 11kV and 33kV systems are being strengthened.
To ensure uninterrupted electricity, not only have transformers increased, but so has the overall infrastructure. Additional employees have been recruited, and private agencies have also been engaged for various services. All staff and field workers are provided with safety equipment and trained through regular safety camps. As a result, accidents have significantly decreased.
A dedicated 24×7 control center now handles operations through a centralized PSCC system. TPNODL has also made preparations to address emergencies like floods, cyclones, and storms by strengthening both overhead and underground power lines. Priority is given to district headquarters hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, and other essential institutions to ensure continuous power during emergencies.
In addition to infrastructure, social responsibility and CSR investments have also been a focus. TPNODL, a joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, has launched mobile rural health services to provide basic healthcare in remote areas. In the past few years, over 2.74 lakh people have received free medical treatment and medicines through this initiative.
Under its CSR programs, TPNODL has also taken several important steps:
Providing education to underprivileged children.
Skill development training for unemployed youth to become self-reliant.
Literacy and skills training for illiterate women.
Offering tailoring and beautician training to members of women’s self-help groups to help them achieve economic independence.
TPNODL has also emphasized the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, promoting the installation of rooftop solar panels. They assist beneficiaries from registration on the PM Surya Ghar portal to availing government subsidies and support from both Central and State governments.
In a press briefing, newly appointed TPNODL CEO Gajanan Kale emphasized that consumer cooperation is crucial for TPNODL’s mission. Present at the event were key officials including:
Nilesh Putfode (Head of Operations)
Jaydeep Roy (Head of Commercial Services)
Shiladitya Sengupta (Head of Finance)
Ramendra Banik (Head of HR)
Chitta Ranjan Pradhan (PRO)
Together, they reaffirmed the company’s commitment to quality service delivery and responsible corporate governance.