Bhubaneswar: The state government has officially initiated the process for the selection of new Chairperson of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) after the key regulatory post lying vacant since May 26.
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 the final selection of the next 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.
A veteran in the energy sector, Jena had earlier served as Energy Secretary for over six years (2006–2014), where he played a pivotal role in strengthening and modernising Odisha’s power infrastructure. His tenure as Chief Secretary (March 2023–June 2024) and his distinguished service during the 1999 Super Cyclone as Collector of Cuttack further highlighted his expertise in governance, disaster management, and public administration.
As the independent regulator for the state’s electricity sector, OERC oversees tariff determination, consumer protection, licensing, and overall development of the power ecosystem. A stable and experienced leadership at the helm is considered crucial for maintaining regulatory continuity.