Bhubaneswar: The state government on Thursday invited applications for the post of Chairperson of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) as the key regulatory post lying vacant since May 26.
The Energy Department has published an advertisement inviting application for the recruitment of OERC Chairperson.
As per the advertisement, applications for the post from the interested and eligible candidates with other relevant information should reach the Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, by registered post or e-mail (energy@od.gov.in) by 5.30 pm of August 10, 2026.
The Chairperson of the Commission shall be a person of ability, integrity and standing who has adequate knowledge of and has shown capacity in dealing with problems relating to engineering, finance, commerce, economics, law or management.
The Chairperson, OERC shall hold office for 5 years from the date he/she assumes charge or till he/she attains the age of 65 years whichever is earlier.
Notably, the state government officially initiated the process for the selection of new Chairperson of the OERC one week ago. In a notification issued on July 1, the Energy department referred the vacancy to the Selection Committee constituted earlier by the state government. The committee, formed under sub-section 2 of Section 85 of the Electricity Act, 2003, has been tasked with recommending a panel of two names to the government for final selection of the OERC chairperson.
The vacancy arose following the resignation of Pradeep Kumar Jena, a former Chief Secretary. Jena, who had assumed charge as OERC Chairperson on April 8, 2025, stepped down citing personal reasons. His resignation was accepted by the government, allowing him to relinquish the post on May 25, 2026.
