Pradeep Jena Appointed Chairperson of OERC

Former chief secretary Pradeep Jena has been appointed as the chairperson of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC). The appointment comes following the vacancy left by SC Mohapatra and is effective once Jena assumes office. Jena served as chief secretary until June 2024.

In a significant development, the state government has appointed Pradeep Jena, a former chief secretary, as the chairperson of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC). The energy department announced that the appointment will take effect upon Jena's assumption of office.

The position has been vacant since November 2023, after SC Mohapatra resigned to take on the role of chief adviser to the Chief Minister's Office. Jena, a 1989-batch IAS officer, brings a wealth of experience, having served as energy department secretary for over six years.

Jena's tenure as chief secretary spanned from February 2023 to June 2024, extended beyond his initial retirement date due to impending elections. His leadership is expected to strengthen OERC's regulatory responsibilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)