Argus News - Electricity Supply to Continue Despite Dues! Odisha Promises Uninterrupted Power Supply

Bhubaneswar, Apr 13: In a significant move to provide relief to households during the peak summer season, Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo has issued strict instructions to electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs).

He directed that even if consumers have pending bills, their electricity supply must not be disconnected. The minister emphasized that no DISCOM should resort to arbitrary power cuts, especially during the ongoing heatwave conditions.

Singh Deo clarified that only in cases of essential repair and maintenance work should power supply be interrupted, and even then, prior information must be widely disseminated through SMS alerts and public notices. This directive aims to ensure that domestic consumers are not left without electricity during the unbearable summer heat.

Also read: Odisha Braces for Heatwave as MercuryClimbs to 40°C

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi further reinforced this assurance, declaring that there will be no unannounced power cuts across the state.

He warned that officials or employees responsible for unauthorized disconnections would face strict punitive action, including imprisonment. This strong stance has brought much-needed reassurance to millions of households struggling with rising temperatures.

Adding to the relief, the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has announced that electricity tariffs will not be increased for consumers this year. In fact, consumers paying bills online will receive a 4 per cent rebate, encouraging digital transactions and easing financial burdens.

Together, these measures reflect the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from the dual challenges of extreme heat and rising living costs.