Odisha's power capital residents face erratic electricity supply

TALCHER: Call it irony. Frequent power cuts in Talcher, the power capital of Odisha, has made the lives of its residents miserable. Talcher is home to 3,000 MW super thermal power plant and thermal power plant from which power is supplied to more than 17 States, including Odisha.  

For over a year, the locals have been experiencing four to five hours of power cuts on a daily basis.  The situation gets worse during rain or thunderstorm when power supply gets interrupted for long period.
The erratic power cuts have affected children’s studies and functioning of hospitals. According to sources, there are around 40,000 consumers under Talcher electrical sub-division which generates a revenue of about `2 crore per month. Five years ago, Enzen Power Services took over the maintenance of low transmission lines leaving CESU to look after only the main 11 KV line.

The firm has also been entrusted with the task of collecting dues from the consumers. Sources said the sub-stations across the sub-division are not being properly maintained due to callous attitude of the officials of the private firm and CESU.

Talcher Lawyers’ Association president Santosh Kumar Sahu described the present situation as hazardous and threatened agitation to drive Enzen out of Talcher if it fails to ensure steady and uninterrupted power supply to the residents.

However, an Enzen official, Pradosh Sahu, blamed CESU and the faults in 11 KV lines for the erratic power supply. He also blamed frequent instances of lightning for the disruption. Sub-divisional officer of CESU M K Pani blamed lightning and rain for  the power cuts. He also rued staff crunch in his department.