Shri Sudhanshu Sekhar Barpanda was sworn in as a Member of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) at a formal ceremony held on Wednesday at the Commission’s Hearing Hall in Bhubaneswar.

The oath of office and secrecy was administered in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Energy Department, Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, senior officials of the Government of Odisha, and Members of the Commission.

Ceremony Attended by Senior Officials

The swearing-in ceremony witnessed the participation of several senior officials from the Energy Department and key power sector organizations. Representatives from Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC), GRIDCO, Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL), OERC and other power utilities were present on the occasion.

The event highlighted the state’s continued focus on strengthening regulatory institutions and improving governance in the power sector.

Key Role of OERC in Odisha’s Power Sector

The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission plays a crucial role in regulating the state’s electricity sector. Its responsibilities include tariff determination, licensing of utilities, consumer protection, promotion of competition, and ensuring efficient integration of renewable energy into the power system.

The Commission also works towards maintaining transparency and accountability while safeguarding the interests of electricity consumers across Odisha.

Boost to Energy Sector Reforms

Officials expressed confidence that Shri Barpanda’s extensive administrative experience will further strengthen the functioning of the Commission. His appointment is expected to contribute significantly to Odisha’s ongoing power sector reforms, energy security initiatives and consumer-centric governance.

The induction is also seen as a step towards supporting the state’s broader vision of “Viksit Odisha” by ensuring a more efficient, reliable and sustainable electricity sector.

With the addition of Shri Barpanda to the Commission, OERC is expected to continue its efforts toward modernizing Odisha’s power sector and enhancing service delivery for consumers across the state.

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Strategic Partnership Sealed in Presence of Deputy Chief Minister

The Energy Department, Government of Odisha, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance Odisha’s clean energy transition. The agreement was executed in the presence of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive collaboration across planning, technical support, pilot implementation and financing facilitation to convert the state’s energy ambitions into actionable and measurable outcomes.

“Committed to Reliable Power for All,” Says Deputy CM

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said the partnership formalises a strategic alignment designed to accelerate Odisha’s shift towards a resilient, equitable and investment-ready clean energy future.

He emphasized that combining technical expertise, policy support and financing pathways with ground-level implementation will significantly strengthen the state’s journey toward energy security.
“We are committed to provide reliable power to all,” he added.

Focus on Energy Transition Planning and Grid Modernisation

Under the MoU, Odisha and GEAPP will work jointly on:

• Energy transition planning across multiple sectors

• Grid modernisation and utility digitisation

• Improved renewable energy integration

• Demand-side management for optimised consumption and peak-load reduction

These steps aim to enhance system efficiency while delivering better outcomes for consumers.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to be Fast-Tracked

A major highlight of the partnership is fast-tracking deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Odisha.

GEAPP will assist the state with:

• Techno-economic feasibility studies

• Identification of substations and use cases such as peak shifting and ancillary services

• Preparation of procurement documents (RFPs)

• Implementation oversight and Project Management Unit support

• Designing performance monitoring frameworks

This support aims to maximise the technical and economic value of BESS projects across the state.

Renewable-Led Livelihood Initiatives to Boost Rural Economy

The MoU also commits both parties to promoting renewable-powered livelihood opportunities, including:

• Solarisation of irrigation systems under PM-KUSUM through state nodal agencies

• Expansion of the Decentralised Energy for Women’s Economic Empowerment (DEWEE) programme to support women-led enterprises with decentralised renewable solutions

• Solarisation and energy-efficiency upgrades in MSMEs to increase productivity, reduce power costs and scale green livelihoods

Balangir Named Model District

As part of the programme, Balangir has been selected as a model district by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, signalling the beginning of district-level pilots and innovations.

Energy Department to Lead Multi-Stakeholder Coordination

The Energy Department will steer the programme, ensuring robust coordination across government departments, industry, academia and civil society, while closely tracking progress of all initiatives.

Key Officials Present

The signing event was attended by:

• Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary, Energy

• Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, CMD, OPTCL

• Representatives from GEAPP, the Energy Department and OPTCL

The partnership marks a significant step in Odisha’s pursuit of transformative clean energy solutions and sustainable development.

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Major Step Toward Renewable Integration

In a major boost to Odisha’s renewable energy (RE) mission, GRIDCO today signed two RE banking agreements — with M/s ReNew E-Fuels Private Limited for 50 MW and M/s UltraTech Cement Ltd for 6.25 MW. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Energy Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, reaffirming the state’s commitment to advancing RE adoption and strengthening the Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia ecosystem.

Odisha Reinforcing Its Green Leadership

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted that the agreement reinforces Odisha’s leadership and commitment to sustainable industrial growth. “Odisha is driving industrial development backed by robust green policies, strong infrastructure, and strategic seaports to meet the growing industrial demand,” he said.

He further informed that the state has so far approved 14 Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia projects, involving a proposed investment of around ₹2 lakh crore. These projects are projected to create employment opportunities for nearly 22,000 people, marking a transformative shift toward a greener and more resilient economy.

RE Banking: A Solution for Energy Intermittency

Explaining the significance of the RE banking mechanism, Principal Secretary (Energy) Shri Vishal Dev stated that renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent and weather-dependent. “RE Banking enables consumers to store surplus energy generated during high-output periods and withdraw it during low-generation times, ensuring stability and reliability of supply,” he said.

This innovative energy management system allows industries to effectively utilize renewable energy without compromising operational efficiency, paving the way for consistent and sustainable industrial growth.

Progressive Policy Framework Underpinning Growth

Odisha’s renewable energy expansion is guided by the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy, 2022, and OERC (Promotion of Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2023. These frameworks aim to promote green energy generation, enable open access, and support the production of Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia.

The policy provides a wide range of incentives and opportunities for investors and industries to set up renewable energy projects in the state, ensuring both environmental sustainability and economic progress.

Strong Institutional Presence

The event was attended by Shri Satyapriya Rath, Managing Director, GRIDCO, representatives from ReNew E-Fuels Private Limited and UltraTech Cement Limited, and senior officers from the Energy Department and GRIDCO.

The agreements mark another milestone in Odisha’s journey toward becoming a national leader in renewable energy transition and green industrialization, laying the foundation for a cleaner, self-reliant, and prosperous future.

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