No power cuts in Odisha, Energy minister clarifies again; this time blames poor infra

Odisha Energy Minister Pratap Deb has once again dismissed allegations of power cuts in the state. The minister clarified that power outages are mainly due to the Nor’wester activities in different parts of the state.

“There are no power cuts. I am again repeating that the media should not use the term power cut. We are bound to snap power during thunderstorm activities. Recently, several parts of the state witnessed Nor’wester and electricity poles got uprooted under the impact of strong winds. Reinstalling the poles and wires is time-consuming affair,” said Deb.

Deb further said that it is being observed that transformers and wires get burnt due to overloading and it is a major challenge for the Odisha government.

“Such problems and power outages are mainly due to lack of infrastructure and for necessary repair works for 2 to 3 hours. I had earlier clarified that there is no power cut in the state as there is surplus power in the state. But the infrastructure needed to make available the electricity to the people through 33kv, 11kv, transformers is now a concern,” Deb said.

The Minister further stated that the Odisha government is aware of it and asking the power distribution companies to ensure that people get the necessary facilities.

“In case of Nor’wester damage, we are trying to restore at the earliest,” Deb added.

It is pertinent to mention here that Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena expressed his displeasure over Tata Power’s slow pace of restoration work following the damage caused by Nor’wester rain that lashed the capital city on Thursday.