Power sector to spawn over 27,000 jobs in Odisha by 2019

Power sector is set to generate 27,776 jobs both on direct and indirect route in Odisha by 2019 as the state has lined up a host of projects across sectors like generation, distribution and transmission.

Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC), the only state owned thermal power producer, is poised to create 705 direct and indirect jobs during 2015-19. The PSU would be on a recruitment drive as it is expanding operations of its Ib valley thermal power station. OPGC, a 51:49 joint venture between the Odisha government and US-based energy major AES, is adding two 660 Mw super critical units. The expansion plan is being taken up at a cost of Rs 11,547 crore which also includes cost of other components like coal block development and dedicated rail corridor.

Another state PSU Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) would recruit 209 people during the same period. Indirect job opportunities are set to be created for 520 persons. In total, 1,434 jobs would be generated in the generation sector.

In the transmission space, Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (OPTCL) is tipped to generate 6,117 jobs. OPTCL has lined up projects worth Rs 11,471 crore by 2017-18.

This includes Rs 10,666 crore expenditure for setting up of 214 new grids and lines, Rs 403 crore on operations & maintenance Capex (capital expenditure), Rs 200 crore for four projects on telecom infrastructure, Rs 62 crore on IT upgradation and civil projects worth Rs 140 crore. The IT projects are related to ERP (enterprise resource planning), e-governance, business analytics, IT security, smart grid and automation.

OPTCL's ongoing projects on grids and lines include four 400 KV lines, 18 220 KV lines and 37 132 KV lines at a total cost of Rs 1,713.68 crore.

The distribution sector would be the biggest job multiplier, with 20,225 jobs projected to be created by 2019. The jobs are expected to flow from the operations and activities being taken up by the four distribution companies (discoms) - Central Electricity Supply Utility of Odisha Ltd (Cesu), North Eastern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Ltd (Nesco), Western Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Ltd (Wesco) and Southern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Ltd (Southco).