Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The GRIDCO has said that it will guarantee a continuous supply of electricity without raising the retail power tariff for the fiscal year 2024–2025. The declaration came after the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) held a public hearing today about GRIDCO’s application for a business plan (BSP) and annual revenue requirement (ARR).
GRIDCO provided a thorough presentation outlining its plan to meet the state’s increasing energy demands. It projected a need for 37,457 million units (MU) of energy, against which it has guaranteed the availability of 39,652 MU from long-term power contracts, plus 2,196 MU (~6%) as a contingency reserve.
In order to meet any demands for power supply, GRIDCO carefully planned and included agreements from captive power plants as well as short- and medium-term contracts. It also emphasized the state’s efforts to generate renewable energy in order to advance sustainability.
Underscoring the significance of resilience in power infrastructure, GRIDCO has dutifully adhered to directions from the Central Electricity Authority and the OERC, guaranteeing an 11% resource adequacy for the state and a 10% contingency reserve. In addition, GRIDCO has asked the Indian government for assistance in order to make up for the power shortfall brought on by Teesta-V, the central hydroelectric plant that is currently damaged.
Notwithstanding the difficulties, GRIDCO stated that it is confident it can control anticipated power expenditures for FY 2024–2025 without raising retail rates. It explained that any additional expenses can be covered by the regulatory surplus that DISCOMs provide and by the higher income that results from more demand.
GRIDCO is unwavering in its resolve to give the people of Odisha a dependable and long-lasting electricity source. The public hearing highlights how GRIDCO is keeping its stakeholders safe while addressing the changing energy situation in a responsible manner.
