Bhubaneswar, Dec. 2 -- The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday sharply criticized the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) in the State Assembly for its "apathetic attitude" towards ensuring affordable, quality, and uninterrupted electricity for consumers-despite power sector reforms initiated in 1993-94.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera alleged that between 2017-18 and 2024-25, power distribution companies collected Rs.745.145 crore more from consumers than the tariff approved by OERC.
Behera pointed out that under the Central Electricity Act, distribution companies are legally required to refund any excess amount collected,along with interest,to consumers.
However, he claimed that OERC has ...