Bizodisha Bureau, June 17, 2015 : More than 27,000 jobs both direct and indirect are likely to be generated by the power sector in Odisha by 2019, if the projects line up across sectors like generation, distribution and transmission are implemented.

Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC), a 51:49 joint venture between the Odisha government and US-based energy major AES, is adding two 660 Mw super critical units at a cost of Rs 11,547 crore which also includes cost of other components like coal block development and dedicated rail corridor. OPGC is expected to 705 direct and indirect jobs during 2015-19.

The power generating company is all poised for a recruitment drive sooner than later.

Similarly, the state owned Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) is likely to recruit 209 people during the same period, officials said adding that 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, which includes Rs 10,666 crore expenditure for setting up of 214 new grids and lines, Rs 403 crore on operations and 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).