Chief Secretary Anu Garg reviewed the performance of the four power distribution companies (DISCOMs) TPCODL, TPNODL, TPSODL and TPWODL and directed them to accelerate renewable energy initiatives, strengthen power infrastructure and expand smart metering across the state. The review was held during board meetings and was attended by additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Vishal Kumar Dev, Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO) chairman and managing director Satyapriya Rath and senior officials of the DISCOMs. Garg emphasised the need for coordinated action to meet rising demand and improve service delivery.\n\nReviewing progress under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, she commended the DISCOMs for promoting rooftop solar installations and noted that the state has achieved 156,606 rooftop solar installations, including 92,280 under PMSG-MBY and 64,326 under the utility led aggregation scheme. The figures place the state among the top 10 performers in the country under the flagship programme. She also asked the DISCOMs to expedite implementation of the PM KUSUM 2.0 scheme to further expand renewable energy adoption in the state.\n\nThe board recorded a sustained reduction in aggregate technical and commercial losses across all four DISCOMs and recognised improvements in key reliability indicators. Officials reported uninterrupted electricity supply during Rath Yatra, effective handling of peak demand, and zero power transformer failure during the period under review. The board attributed these outcomes to enhanced operational measures and targeted maintenance.\n\nThe board noted that capital investments made over the past five years had significantly strengthened the power distribution network, enhanced safety, supported load growth and improved overall service delivery across the state. In a major policy decision, the state government announced that all government electricity connections will be converted from post paid to pre paid smart meters from August and that government consumers adopting pre paid smart metering will be eligible for a four per cent rebate on their monthly electricity bills. Officials were directed to finalise implementation timelines and consumer outreach plans to ensure smooth transition.