Bhubaneswar: Feb 03: Odisha has been a pioneer among the Indian states to embark on a comprehensive reform for electricity sector in the state. The primary aim of all such reforms has been towards development of the state power sector and improvement in the performance of utilities. With early reforms like vertical unbundling, corporatization and independent regulation introduced in the state of Odisha, the state brought functional focus and commercial orientation in the operation of power utilities and paved way for selective private sector participation. These reforms have also provided valuable learnings and insights to other reforming states in the country. Over the years, the Government of Odisha initiated various other schemes/programmes, like Odisha Distribution System Strengthening Project (ODSSP), State Capital Region Improvement of Power System (SCRIPS), Biju Gram Jyoti Yojana (BGJY), Odisha Dedicated Agriculture & Fishery Feeder Project (ODAFF), Biju Saharanchala Vidyutikaran Yojana (BSVY), etc. to create/strengthen the distribution network for supply of adequate and quality power to the consumers of the State.
Several recent initiatives include the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy and a joint initiative of Government of India and Government of Odisha for ‘24×7 Power for All’ in Odisha. On the above background, CII Odisha State Council organised an “Energy Conclave 2017” focused on infrastructure development and generation of renewable energy. Addressing the gathering, Mr Hemant Sharma, IAS ,Commissioner cum Secretary ,Department of Energy, Government of Odisha & CMD,OPTCL /GRIDCO Limited stated that with the increase of consumer based several folds, the govt has also been infusing funds for development of infrastructure commensurately. Several schemes are being presently implemented which will lead to the access of Power by All. He lead special emphasis on the Renewable Policy 2016 of Government of Odisha (GoO). Mr Sangramjit Nayak, Additional Secretary, Department of Energy, Government of Odisha said that the generation of Renewable Energy is expected to grow several folds. Especially in the Solar sector in the state. Mr V Balasubramanyam, Director (Production),NALCO gave an industry perspective and expressed his satisfaction on the rural electrification of the Government. Mr Sanjay Pattanaik, Chairman, CII Odisha State Council welcomed Mr Hemant Sharma, IAS ,Commissioner cum Secretary ,Department of Energy, Government of Odisha & CMD,OPTCL /GRIDCO Limited and stressed upon a broad framework of power sector development in the state. During the conference it was discussed that there is a scope of increase in Renewable Energy by 18 times by 2022 in the state of Odisha. Concluding the above Conclave Mr Ujjwal Chatterjee, Convenor, Energy Panel, CII Odisha State Council proposed vote of thanks to all the eminent speakers and government dignitaries.
