Dwijadas Basak is the chief executive officer of TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL), a joint venture between Tata Power and the Odisha government. With over three decades of expertise in power distribution management, he has held various strategic positions in several organisations in India and Brazil, driving transformation, excellence and digital advancement. Of particular note is his remarkable tenure of nearly two decades at TPDDL, where he played a pivotal role in achieving a phenomenal reduction in AT&C losses from 53 per cent to 6 per cent.
Presently, under his leadership, TPNODL continues to drive transformative growth, operational excellence and customer-centric services, delivering reliable power to 2 million consumers. Last year, the company electrified 42 villages in the Similipal reserve forest with solar microgrids and standalone solar projects, benefiting over 2300 households.
As per Basak, India’s power sector has experienced significant changes over the past decades, driven by policy reforms, technological advancements and a growing focus on renewable energy.
Basak believes that as India transitions to a low-carbon economy, emerging trends such as energy storage, automation in network management, smart grids and e-vehicles will be pivotal in shaping the sector’s future.
Currently, India’s power sector is grappling with intricate challenges, including the modernisation of aging electrical networks, implementation of robust energy audit systems and integration of smart technologies. Decrepit electrical networks, outdated grid systems and limited smart technology adoption exacerbate power shortages, and unreliable electricity supply, particularly in rural areas.
Leading the restoration efforts after Cyclone Dana in October 2024 was a deeply moving experience for Basak. In the aftermath of the devastation, teams of over 6,000 personnel worked selflessly amidst adverse weather, harsh terrain and operational difficulties to restore power supply in 1.4 million households. TPNODL restored electricity to 90 per cent of affected areas within 72 hours and nearly 100 per cent in five days, bringing solace to millions before the Diwali celebrations.
Under Basak’s leadership, TPNODL is poised for transformative growth, driven by a customer-centric approach, collaborative leadership, technological advancement and a stea fast commitment to safety, ethics, quality and sustainability, fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity.