BHUBANESWAR: The OERC has requested the state government to conduct an audit of the power distribution companies (discoms) by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The Commission said a CAG audit would bring greater accountability in the functioning and financial management of discoms.
Among other major directions, OERC has mandated complete smart metering across all 11 kV feeders with loss levels exceeding 50 per cent. This includes end-to-end coverage of feeders, tertiary lines, distribution transformers and consumers. The commission said that high losses ultimately burden consumers and must be curbed.
In a relief measure, a ‘One Time Claim Scheme’ has been introduced for 2026-27, enabling permanently disconnected (PD) consumers to reclaim unclaimed security deposits lying with discoms. Eligible consumers must furnish valid proof such as bills or disconnection documents along with identity verification. The discoms have been directed to process refunds efficiently through digital bank transfers.
The Commission has also asked them to identify feeders where agricultural load exceeds 60 per cent and recommended the government to undertake solarisation of such feeders to reduce power wastage and improve efficiency.
In order to enhance transparency, OERC also announced a software audit of smart metering systems to address consumer concerns over data integrity. “The speculation of the consumers regarding the integrity of the software used by the discoms in the smart meter system has been addressed. The Commission would conduct software audit of the system to ensure its correctness,” said the order. The discoms have been instructed not to pass on legal expenses to consumers in cases where they lose disputes before the Grievance Redressal Forum (GRF) or Ombudsman.