Tata Power faces heat in Odisha: OERC flags service lapses, files case

In a sharp regulatory move, the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has initiated a suo motu case against Tata Power-managed distribution companies (discoms) for failing to meet consumer service obligations and regulatory standards under the Electricity Act, 2003.

The action follows a spate of consumer complaints and alleged non-compliance by the four discoms, TPCODL, TPWODL, TPSODL, and TPNODL, all operated by Tata Power in Odisha, reported The New Indian Express.

The Commission has scheduled a hearing on July 15 to examine the extent of violations and possible enforcement action.

According to reports, the petition was filed by OERC Director (Regulatory Affairs) Priyabrat Patnaik and claimed that the discoms are neglecting critical infrastructure upgrades and imposing unauthorised charges on new consumers, particularly those seeking single-phase power connections.

In violation of Section 43 of the Electricity Act, which mandates supply within one month of application, applicants are reportedly being asked to bear the cost of transformer upgrades, a burden meant to be covered through tariff proposals submitted via Annual Revenue Requirements (ARR).

The OERC has also raised concerns over unmaintained substations, unreliable power supply, and ineffective grievance redressal, with visuals of tree branches and creepers touching high-tension (HT) lines cited as symptomatic of widespread infrastructure neglect.

Comments of the discoms over the allegations and OERC’s move could not be obtained.

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Field Staff Face Ground-Level Heat

Even as regulatory heat builds at the top, Tata Power staff face increasing hostility on the ground. Earlier this month, a bill collection team was attacked in Mukundadaspur village in Khordha district while trying to recover outstanding dues.

The team allegedly caught local ward member Mohammad Shamsuddin alias Badshah drawing power illegally using hooks. When confronted, he allegedly abused and attacked the team with a bamboo pole, causing injuries.