The Odisha Energy Department has officially begun a search for a new Chairperson of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) after the key regulatory post fell vacant last month.
In a notification issued on July 1, 2026, the department referred the vacancy — effective from May 26, 2026 — to the Selection Committee constituted earlier by the State Government. The committee, formed under sub-section 2 of Section 85 of the Electricity Act, 2003, has been tasked with recommending a panel of two names to the government for the final selection of the next OERC Chairperson.
The vacancy arose following the resignation of Pradeep Kumar Jena, a 1989-batch IAS officer and former Chief Secretary of Odisha. Jena, who had assumed charge as OERC Chairperson on April 8, 2025, stepped down citing personal reasons. His resignation was accepted by the government, allowing him to relinquish the post on May 25, 2026.
Jena brought decades of rich administrative experience to the role. A veteran in the energy sector, he had earlier served as Energy Secretary for over six years (2006–2014), where he played a pivotal role in strengthening and modernising Odisha’s power infrastructure. His tenure as Chief Secretary (March 2023–June 2024) and his distinguished service during the 1999 Super Cyclone as Collector of Cuttack further highlighted his expertise in governance, disaster management, and public administration.
The OERC, as the independent regulator for the state’s electricity sector, oversees tariff determination, consumer protection, licensing, and overall development of the power ecosystem. A stable and experienced leadership at the helm is considered crucial for maintaining regulatory continuity, especially amid evolving challenges in renewable energy integration, grid modernisation, and consumer welfare.
The Selection Committee will now deliberate and forward a shortlist of two suitable candidates. The State Government will then make the final appointment.
