TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL), which serves northern Odisha, has shown remarkable progress within a short span of its operations. Headquartered in Balasore, Odisha, it is a joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, and began operating after its parent company, Tata Power, took over the management and operations of all four Odisha discoms between 2020 and 2021.
At present, TPNODL serves a population of approximately 9.7 million, with a consumer base of 1.99 million and a distribution area covering 27,920 sq. km spread over five districts (Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj) with a network across 16 divisions, 50 subdivisions, and
159 sections.
With a diverse portfolio of technology-driven projects to improve operational performance and customer service, the distribution company’s focus has been on upgrading and building infrastructure and deploying smart grid technologies. In the 13th Annual Integrated Rating and Ranking of Power Distribution Utilities, conducted by the Ministry of Power, TPNODL has once again achieved an impressive A+ rating across all discoms in the country. Last year, it stood out as one of the first few companies to receive an A+ rating even before completing three years of operations.
Network growth
As of March 31, 2024, the utility’s network boasted a maximum demand of 1,123.8 MVA, supported by a robust infrastructure including 2,704.3 MVA of installed power transformer capacity and 2,932 MVA of distribution transformer capacity.
TPNODL’s extensive network comprises 77,688 distribution transformers, ensuring localised voltage levels for consumers. The high tension (HT) network spans 3,225.64 ckt km at the 33 kV level and 41,108.37 ckt km at the 11 kV level, and a substantial low-tension (LT) network of 68,139.45 ckt km brings electricity directly to end-users.
The power discom utility utilises both aerial bunched cables (47,194 km) and underground cables (401 km) to optimise reliability and aesthetics. The distribution network is further segmented into 115 feeders at 33 kV and 853 feeders at 11 kV, originating from 245 strategically located 33/11 kV substations, which house a total of 564 power transformers.
TPNODL’s consumer base of 1,954,513 connections is predominantly residential, comprising 90.63 per cent of the total 1,771,352 connections. Agricultural consumers make up 1.35 per cent (26,484 connections), while commercial and industrial LT consumers account for 6.37 per cent (124,490 connections). HT consumers, typically large industrial users, represent a small fraction at 0.03 per cent (562 connections), and other categories constitute the remaining 1.62 per cent (31,625 connections).
Operational performance
A significant achievement for TPNODL was the reduction in transmission and distribution (T&D) losses from 16.43 per cent in FY2022-23 to 14.6 per cent in FY2023-24. This improvement in efficiency is further reflected in the billing efficiency, which rose from 83.57 per cent to 85.09 per cent. Correspondingly, billing to consumers increased from
Rs 32.04 billion to Rs 36.6 billion. The utility experienced a marginal rise in aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses, from 11.36 per cent in FY2022-23 to 11.71 per cent in FY2023-24.
TPNODL’s collection efficiency remained strong, although it decreased slightly from 106.06 per cent in FY2022-23 to 103.76 per cent in FY2023-24. Despite this minor dip, the actual collection received increased from Rs 33.98 billion to Rs 37.98 billion.
Additionally, there has been a significant reduction in the number of interruptions in 33 kV and 11 kV feeders during FY2023-24.
TPNODL’s metering progress during FY2023-24 shows near-complete coverage for 33 kV and 11 kV feeders (100 per cent), with a significant jump in 11 kV feeder metering from 72.5 per cent in the previous fiscal year. Consumer metering also reached near saturation at 99.8 per cent, slightly up from 97.91 per cent in FY2022-23. However, distribution transformer metering remains a key area for improvement, with only 10.56 per cent completion in FY2023-24, despite an increase from 3.85 per cent during FY2022-23.
Key initiatives
In order to provide safe and reliable power supply, TPNODL has been at the forefront of innovation, implementing a range of cutting-edge technical solutions. From safety initiatives to operational improvements, the company’s commitment to excellence is evident in its approach.
For safety, the TPNODL team has implemented universal telescopic rods and detachable discharge clamps, eliminating the need for multiple rods and enhancing safety during live-line maintenance. Additionally, its helmet-mounted live streaming cameras provide real-time views of the work area, enabling supervisors to remotely control and ensure proper procedures are being followed. It has also pioneered the use of drone technology in safety monitoring.
The power discom has also made significant strides in operational improvements. The establishment of hands-on technical training centres across its five circles has provided training on electrical services, safety, transmission and distribution of electricity, and renewable energy. Furthermore, its Central Power System Control Centre and Area Power System Control Centres enable real-time monitoring and swift outage detection and response.
The company’s commitment to reliability is also evident in its trip-free Balasore and Keonjhar Town projects, a pilot initiative which it plans to extend to all other major urban areas. It aims to enhance power supply through comprehensive upgrades of 11 kV and 33 kV systems, establishing a ring main system to ensure N-1 reliability.
TPNODL is electrifying 42 remote tribal villages in Odisha under the Biju Gram Jyoti Yojana, benefiting 2,300 families with 18 solar microgrids and standalone systems. To enhance consumer engagement, initiatives like SAMBANDH, DISHA, and KCG Meets address grievances and build trust. The utility also promotes digital bill payments through incentives and spreads awareness via mass media
The company has also implemented drone-based feeder maintenance, which has changed the concept from breakdown, preventive condition-based to predictive through ultrasound scanning, health indexing of PTRs and DTRs, as well as on-site overhauling of power transformers. As the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation, its customers can expect a safer, more reliable, and efficient power supply in the days to come.
In a significant move to achieve a cyclone-resilient network, TPNODL has introduced spun concrete poles, providing an economical solution for withstanding cyclonic conditions. Over 1,000 poles have already been installed in the region. The most critical feeders are being constructed underground to maintain the power supply to critical services even during poor climatic conditions.
Tech-driven initiatives
TPNODL has been at the forefront of technology adoption, and uses cutting-edge technologies to enhance its power distribution network. Within four years of operations, the power discom has implemented smart grid technologies such as advanced SCADA, GIS, and smart metering. ADMS is also being implemented and will be functional by the end of this year.
Another notable example is the introduction of aerial tower wagons, which have improved tree trimming and maintenance capabilities. Additionally, the company has launched a mobile LT underground power cable fault locator system, enabling faster restoration of underground faults and reliability improvement.
To enhance network connectivity and operational flexibility, TPNODL has also deployed ring main units and auto-reclosers. These technologies enable quick fault isolation without disrupting the entire system, in turn, minimising downtime. Furthermore, the company has introduced mobile transformer trolleys, reducing downtime during distribution transformer (DTR) failures and ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
The company has also made significant investments in IT infrastructure, establishing a data centre and a disaster recovery centre. The company has implemented MPLS connectivity across its offices and enabled remote operation of 115 substations through SCADA. Other initiatives include GIS mapping of the entire area, cybersecurity measures and the installation of optical fibre and smart meters. With over 250,000 smart meters already installed, TPNODL is striving ahead to revolutionise the power distribution landscape.
Challenges and the way forward
TPNODL faces a multitude of challenges in its pursuit of delivering uninterrupted power supply. The ageing infrastructure of its legacy network poses significant risks to public and employee safety, underscoring the urgency for proactive measures. Furthermore, the lengthy 33 kV and 11 kV network presents operational hurdles, including voltage fluctuations, area interruptions, and technical losses. The radial configuration of the network compounds these issues, resulting in prolonged downtime and frequent outages. TPNODL also grapples with the inadequate capacity and deteriorating health of its power substations and transformers, as well as the alarming failure rate of its distribution transformers. Moreover, substantial improvement is required in the transmission network with respect to capacity addition due to the unprecedented load growth expected in various parts of northern Odisha. Despite these complexities, TPNODL remains resolute in its commitment to overcome these challenges and ensure a reliable supply of power to its consumers through proper planning and quality execution.
Going forward, TPNODL plans to enhance the reliability and efficiency of its power distribution network. Key initiatives include providing N-1 supply to all 33 kV substations, upgrading power transformers to maintain N-1 redundancy and implementing SCADA systems controlling all substations and 33 kV/11 kV feeders. The company also plans to achieve N-1 redundancy at the 11 kV level in town areas and upgrade overloaded single-phase distribution transformers to three-phase units.
Net net, the strategic and technology efforts by TPNODL will help it play a key role in ensuring 24×7 reliable power supply to all consumers.