TNI Bureau: In a major relief for consumers amid the scorching summer, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo has announced that no domestic electricity connections will be disconnected due to unpaid bills until the onset of the monsoon.

The directive comes as temperatures soar across the state, offering much-needed respite to households struggling with both heat and financial stress. The government has made it clear that electricity, being an essential service during extreme weather, must remain uninterrupted for domestic consumers.

In a strong message to power distribution companies (DISCOMs), the Deputy CM has also imposed a strict ban on unannounced power cuts. Any violation of this directive will invite stringent action, officials warned. The move aims to ensure transparency and prevent inconvenience to residents during peak summer conditions.

However, the government has allowed power outages for essential maintenance and repair works. In such cases, DISCOMs have been directed to inform consumers well in advance through SMS alerts and public announcements, ensuring that people are not caught off guard.

To enforce these measures, a robust monitoring mechanism has been put in place. The Energy Department will closely track compliance by distribution companies and their personnel, ensuring that the directives are implemented in letter and spirit.

Further tightening oversight, the Deputy CM has directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department to supervise the implementation process and submit a detailed Action Taken Report.

The decision reflects the state government’s focus on consumer welfare during extreme weather, balancing operational needs with public convenience.