Bhubaneswar: Amid a review of the performance of discoms by Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC), senior BJP leader and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sought steps to construct grid sub-stations in Parajang and Kankadahad blocks of Dhenkanal district.
As OERC reviewed the annual performance of discoms, the third party audit of Rs 1,900 crore spent for power infrastructure in the state is to be held under its supervision. OERC has also directed Tata Power to improve standard of performance as the recent spell of thunderstorms exposed weakness in power sector infra.
As several parts of Odisha witnessed power outages and disruptions in supply, Dharmendra wrote to Energy Minister Pratap Keshari Deb urging him to take steps for construction of grid sub-stations to resolve power issues in Parajang and Kankadahad blocks of Dhenkanal district.
Stating that Parajang block has a population of more than 2 lakh who are presently dependent on Chainpal grid for their power supply, the union Minister said due to long distance and heavy load factor, inhabitants of these areas have been grappling with frequent and unnatural power cuts.
The single sub-station available is insufficient for the significant population in these areas, causing regular power outages that gravely hinder day-to-day activities, education, and skill development endeavours. Chainpal to Parajang 33 KV supply frequently faces technical issues affecting steady supply, he said.
“I believe a new 220/33KV Grid Sub Station at Parajang could dramatically enhance the stability and quality of the electricity supply. Notably, the land necessary for the grid’s construction, a plot measuring AC.8.61 cm, has already been sanctioned as per the steering committee’s decision on 10.01.2020, chaired by the Sub-Collector, Kamakhyanagar. Therefore, the primary obstacle to progress, i.e., the land acquisition, has been addressed, leaving the technical implementation as the remaining challenge,” said Dharmendra.
Similarly, Kankadahad block has a population around 1 lakh who are presently dependent on Chainpal Grid for their power supply. Owing to long distance and heavy load factor, inhabitants of these areas have been grappling with frequent power cuts. The single sub-station available is insufficient for the significant population in these areas, causing regular power outages Chainpal to Kankadahad 33 KV supply frequently faces technical issues affecting steady power supply to customers, the Minister said.
“I believe a new 220/33KV Grid Sub Station at Kankadahad could dramatically enhance the stability and quality of the electricity supply. Keeping in mind the welfare of the people of Kankadahad Block, I sincerely hope that you will give this matter your utmost attention and extend your support to expedite the construction of the grid,” the Union Minister added.
