Berhampur: The TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) has restored electricity supply to over 17.23 lakh consumers across Southern Odisha following the impact of Cyclone Arnab, and subsequent heavy rainfall and flooding.
The company, a joint venture between Tata Power and Odisha government, has achieved 96.32% restoration, reconnecting 17,23,185 of the 17,88,942 affected consumers across its eight operational districts.
Strong winds had uprooted electricity poles and snapped power lines, while persistent rainfall, overflowing rivers and waterlogging added to the complexity of restoration operations.
TPSODL undertook the massive restoration drive, restoring all 130 affected 33/11 kV Primary Substations (PSS), while 45 of the 46 affected 33 kV feeders have been brought back into service. At the 11 kV level, 651 of the 658 affected feeders have been restored. The company has also restored 277 of the 278 affected Power Transformers (PTRs) and 55,265 of the 56,706 affected Distribution Transformers (DTRs).
TPSODL teams are continuing to work round the clock to reconnect the remaining 65,757 affected consumers, with priority being accorded to locations where flooding and waterlogging have made access and repair work difficult.
Ganjam, among the worst-affected districts, saw extensive disruption due to torrential rains, river flooding and severe waterlogging. TPSODL has succeeded in restoring electricity supply to 7,73,129 of the 8,29,292 affected consumers, achieving 93.23% restoration.
The company has restored 23 of the 24 affected 33 kV feeders, all 52 affected Primary Substations and all 116 affected Power Transformers. In addition, 14,994 of the 16,080 affected Distribution Transformers have been brought back into operation. Restoration teams remain deployed across the district, particularly in areas such as Aska, Dharakote, Sheragada, Bhanjanagar, Sorada, Belaguntha and Purushottampur, where flooding and waterlogging have posed significant challenges to field operations.
In Gajapati, the company has achieved 96.09% consumer restoration, with electricity supply restored to 1,48,310 of the 1,54,337 affected consumers. All four affected 33 kV feeders, all 20 affected Primary Substations and all 71 affected 11 kV feeders have been restored. The company has also restored all 40 affected Power Transformers and 4,821 of the 5,017 affected Distribution Transformers.
Kandhamal has recorded 99.13% restoration, reconnecting 1,47,049 of the 1,48,347 affected consumers. All eight affected 33 kV feeders, all 15 affected Primary Substations and all 78 affected 11 kV feeders have been restored. Of the 32 affected Power Transformers, 31 have been restored, along with 7,767 of the 7,836 affected Distribution Transformers.
Among the other operational districts, Malkangiri, Boudh and Rayagada have achieved 100% consumer restoration, reconnecting all 53,179, 86,383 and 1,15,503 affected consumers, respectively. Nabarangpur has achieved 99.65% restoration, reconnecting 2,10,523 of the 2,11,263 affected consumers. In Koraput, electricity supply has been restored to 1,89,109 of the 1,90,638 affected consumers, achieving 99.20% restoration.
“Restoring electricity supply to over 17 lakh consumers and achieving more than 96% restoration across our eight operational districts is a significant milestone in our response to Cyclone Arnab. This progress reflects the exceptional dedication, courage and commitment of our frontline teams, who have worked tirelessly through heavy rainfall, flooding and extremely challenging conditions. I sincerely appreciate the contribution of every employee, engineer and officer involved in this restoration mission,” said Amit Garg, CEO of TPSODL.
“While we have made substantial progress across the region, certain pockets, particularly in Ganjam district, continue to face challenges due to flooding, waterlogging and difficult site conditions. These have affected access to some locations and made repair work more demanding. Our teams are taking all necessary steps, mobilising resources wherever required and prioritising restoration in these remaining areas. The safety of consumers and our field personnel remains paramount. We are grateful to the people of Southern Odisha for their patience, trust and cooperation as we work towards restoring power supply to every affected consumer.”
