TPSODL restores power supply to over 16 lakh consumers in cyclone-hit south Odisha

Brahmapur, Oct 31: The Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) has restored electricity supply to more than 16 lakh consumers across south Odisha following extensive damage to power infrastructure caused by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods, the company said on Saturday.

A total of 17,88,942 consumers were affected across the region, while 56,706 transformers were reported damaged. Ganjam and Gajapati were among the worst-affected districts, with Aska, Purushottampur, Sorada and Bhanjanagar witnessing significant damage.

“Despite the devastation caused by floods, TPSODL is undertaking restoration of the power infrastructure on a war footing,” said Amit Kumar Garg, CEO of TPSODL.

According to the company, all 46 affected 33-kV lines and 130 primary substations have been repaired. Of the 658 affected 11-kV lines, 638 have been restored. TPSODL has also brought 278 power transformers and around 55,000 distribution transformers back into operation.

Ganjam alone had more than eight lakh affected consumers, while over 1.54 lakh consumers were affected in Gajapati. In Malkangiri, electricity supply has been fully restored in all affected areas. Restoration work is also nearly complete in Kandhamal, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Rayagada districts.

The company said hundreds of electricity poles were damaged across Malkangiri, Koraput, Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada. Floodwaters and difficult terrain posed challenges for restoration teams, who had to remove fallen trees, replace damaged poles and repair power lines and other equipment.

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TPSODL deployed dedicated teams across its sections, sub-divisions, divisions and circles to expedite the work. Field personnel carried out repairs in challenging conditions, including wading through water to reach transformers and entering forest areas to restore damaged electricity infrastructure.

The company's Power System Control Centre (PSCC) played a key role in coordinating field operations, collecting information on damage, deploying repair teams and monitoring the progress of restoration work.

More than 7,000 employees, 358 vehicles and adequate electrical equipment and materials were mobilised to deal with the situation, TPSODL said.

The company has also urged consumers to remain cautious during the flood situation and maintain a safe distance from electrical infrastructure. In case of an emergency, consumers can contact the toll-free helpline numbers 18002026 or 1912.