Tata Power works to mitigate impact of Yaas in Odisha

Bhubaneswar. May 28: Tata Power had identified the circles and divisions which were expected to be impacted by the severe cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’, well in advance. This has helped the power company to reinstate electricity in many parts of the network quickly, while working towards restoring power to the highly impacted locations across the state. In order to access the on-ground network disruption and to restore power supply quickly, TPCODL and TPNODL mobilised over 13,000 workers at different sites to ensure the quick restoration of power supply in the severely-affected areas. As the cyclone was due to affect the upper regions, TPWODL deployed 20 groups of workforce along with TPSDOL who also shared it resources to help out the teams in TPNODL. TP Northern Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPNODL) has been severely impacted and an assessment of the damage is in progress while power restoration process has started in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapatra town. TPNODL have been working round the clock to ensure power supply to COVID care centres and hospitals. The company deployed separate teams and set up a dedicated control room for them to closely monitor the situation. The places that were projected to lie in the path of the cyclone were mostly the Northern and Central areas of Odisha along with the projected percentage of damage to the on-ground power infrastructure and network. Based on this probability of the damage to the assets, the company had strategised, planned and executed several operations on a war-footing in the vulnerable areas. TPCODL undertook precautionary power cuts in some localities and the power restored on the evening of May 26. Teams at TPCODL carried out regular checks through patrolling amongst the damaged areas. These teams worked in flooded conditions and managed to restore power in areas by taking utmost safety precautions in flooded areas of Rajkanika, Rajnagar and Mahakalpada blocks. More than 80% power has been restored by TPCODL for its consumers. Quick restoration teams were formed within sub divisions and clear roles & responsibilities were defined to complete the restoration in the least time possible. The teams worked in difficult conditions which included areas submerged in water, roads blocked by trees. As of today, more than98 % of power is restored in TPCODL’s areas. Besides this, customers were sensitised on various pre-cyclone safety measures on its social media platforms. They were also encouraged to escalate complaints through mobile app and helpline number.