Bhubaneswar: In a move set to strengthen the state’s power sector governance, Sudhanshu Sekhar Barpanda was officially sworn in as a member of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) on Wednesday.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at 11 am in the Hearing Hall at the OERC headquarters in Bhubaneswar. Barpanda was administered the oath of office and secrecy in the presence of the Additional Chief Secretary of Energy, Vishal Kumar Dev, alongside other senior officials from the department and current members of the commission. Senior officials of the Energy Department, OHPC, GRIDCO, OPTCL, OERC, and representatives from power sector utilities were also present.
The OERC holds a
critical mandate in governing Odisha’s power landscape, carrying responsibilities that include determining electricity tariff, managing licensing, safeguarding consumer interests, and driving efficiency and competitive practices. It also plays a major role in integrating renewable energy into the state’s power grid.
Given his extensive administrative background, Barpanda is expected to further strengthen the commission’s functioning and contribute to Odisha’s power sector reforms, energy security, and consumer-centric governance in line with the vision of Viksit Odisha.
He previously worked with Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, a ‘Maharatna’ Central Public Sector Enterprise, for over 22 years. He also served as Director (Market Operation) of Grid Controller of India Ltd, a key organisation under the Ministry of Power responsible for national grid management. He did his Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical from Veer Surendra Sai University Of Technology (VSSUT, formerly UCE), Burla, according to his Linkedin profile.
Barpanda was appointed as a member of OERC days after Pradeep Kumar Jena, a retired IAS officer who served as the state’s chief secretary, resigned as its chairperson. He was permitted to relinquish charge effective from the afternoon of May 25 with the government citing “personal reasons.