As Odisha reels under one of the most intense heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures crossing 45°C across districts including Balangir, Boudh, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Jharsuguda, more than 26,000 linemen and field personnel from Tata Power led Odisha Discoms are working relentlessly on the ground to ensure uninterrupted power supply to millions of consumers across the state.
The unprecedented summer conditions have triggered a sharp surge in electricity consumption, driven by increased use of air conditioners, coolers, irrigation pumps, water supply systems, and essential public infrastructure. Peak power demand in the state has risen significantly over the past week, putting continuous pressure on the distribution network.
To maintain reliable electricity supply during this critical period, discom teams are carrying out round-the-clock breakdown rectification, overload management, preventive maintenance, transformer monitoring, and network upgradation works across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas.
Electricity personnel are operating in extremely challenging conditions, climbing poles and attending faults under scorching daytime temperatures while also responding to outages during late-night thunderstorm emergencies.
The challenge has further intensified due to successive Kalbaisakhi storms impacting parts of Western Odisha including Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Bargarh and Balangir over the past few days. Strong winds, lightning, and falling trees have damaged poles, snapped conductors, and disrupted local distribution infrastructure in several areas.
Despite adverse weather and difficult terrain, emergency restoration teams were mobilized immediately after the storms, with field crews working continuously through the night to restore supply in affected locations at the earliest possible time.
Recognising the extreme working conditions faced by frontline personnel, discoms have strengthened on-ground safety and welfare measures, including distribution of ORS packets, drinking water, hydration support, and reinforcement of heat-safety protocols for field staff.
Special operational monitoring is also underway to manage high-load feeders and critical infrastructure supplying power to hospitals, drinking water systems, railway operations, telecom networks, educational institutions, and other essential services during the ongoing heatwave period.
The dedication, resilience, and rapid response of Odisha’s power distribution workforce continue to play a vital role in keeping homes illuminated, essential services functional, and communities connected during this phase of extreme climatic stress.
“For You. With You. Always.”
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