No power cut at night in Odisha from Sunday: minister

In a major respite for people in Odisha, the state government today announced there will be no load-shedding at night during the festive season beginning this Sunday, though the day-time power cut will continue as usual.
This was decided at a meeting here presided over by state energy minister Pranab Prakash Das.
"It has been decided to stop the power-cuts during evening time from October 11 till November 15. The earlier decision of load-shedding during the day time will continue as usual," Das told reporters.
People are subjected to power-cuts for one hour in the day time and an hour's load-shedding during night in urban areas.

He said the peak hour demand has been reduced to 3,700 MW from 4,000 MW, declining shortage of electricity by about 450 MW.
"Since we are falling short of around 400 to 500 MW power during peak hours, the day time load-shedding will continue till situation improves," Das stated.

The minister said the energy department would further meet on November 10 to decide whether to continue with night time power supply.
In its bid to supply electricity to people during the Durga Puja festival, the state-owned Grid Corporation of Odisha Limited (Gridco) has urged the 24 captive power generators to increase their production.

The state government last month had announced load-shedding to overcome the power crisis in the state owing to insufficient water in the reservoirs following deficient rainfall this Monsoon.