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Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
From blackouts to benchmarks: The Odisha distribution turnaround
Private sector participation in electricity distribution has the potential to significantly improve service efficiency, reliability, and the financial health of discoms. Among the most compelling examples of this transformation is the Odisha model, which has emerged as a benchmark for reform in recent years. The scale of operations alone makes Odisha's turnaround a remarkable achievement. The State's electricity distribution network serves over 97.4 lakh customers across four discoms and spans a geographical area of 1,55,707 square kilometers—approximately 4.74 per cent of India's total landmass. Unlike most private participation in power distribution, which has remained concentrated in urban centres, Odisha chose to extend reform to its rural heartland. The decision to bring in a partner with a proven track record and the capacity to serve challenging geographies has paid off. Today, the entire state—urban and rural alike—benefits from improved reliability, efficiency, and service. This wasn't Odisha's first attempt. Earlier efforts to privatise the sector didn't yield the desired results. But the State stayed the course, learned from experience, and chose a path that emphasized accountability, performance, and long-term commitment. The result is a partnership model that has delivered both efficiency and equity. In 2020, a major public-private partnership was initiated to revitalize the state's power distribution sector, and Tata Power —known for its successful discom operations in Mumbai and Delhi—was brought onboard. At the time, the system was fragmented and struggling. The four government-run discoms—CESU, NESCO, WESCO, and SOUTHCO—were plagued by high AT&C losses, outdated infrastructure, frequent outages, and low customer satisfaction. Previous attempts at privatisation had failed, and the sector was in urgent need of reform. Between 2020 and 2021, the partnership led to the formation of four new entities: TPCODL for Central Odisha, TPSODL for Southern Odisha, TPWODL for Western Odisha, and TPNODL for Northern Odisha. Parivartan to Pragati To drive change, a comprehensive transformation programme was launched. This included a 10-module strategy focused on operational excellence, digital innovation, and workforce development. The existing workforce was retained and retrained, and a planned investment of Rs 6,000 crore over five years was committed to upgrading infrastructure and services. Smart grid technologies were introduced, and customer service was enhanced through the establishment of customer service centers across the State. As of FY25, Odisha's discoms have reduced AT&C losses by approximately 13 per cent since the takeover. They have also earned A+ ratings from the Ministry of Power for FY24, placing them among the top-performing utilities in the country. Beyond operational metrics, the transformation has had a meaningful social impact. Service reliability has improved in rural, tribal, and remote regions. Consumers now benefit from digital billing and grievance redressal platforms, and local youth have gained access to skill-building and employment opportunities through regional training centres. Odisha's journey stands as a quiet but powerful example of what sustained reform can achieve in India's power sector. The consultative support of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) and Government of Odisha has been instrumental throughout this journey, and will continue to play a vital role as the discoms take on the gargantuan task of transforming not only urban centres but also deeply rural and tribal regions. The success of the Odisha model offers a practical template for other states—one built on accountability, and a clear vision for inclusive progress. (The author is a veteran energy expert with nearly four decades of experience in the coal and power sectors. He has held several key leadership positions, including Director (Finance) at NTPC Ltd., Director (Finance) & Chief (Finance) at the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) at the level of Joint Secretary to the Government of India, and *Joint Director (Finance) at the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC). Leveraging his extensive expertise in energy, regulation, and finance, he is currently practicing as an Advocate and Consultant, specializing in regulatory and financial matters in the energy sector. He is also an active member of several industry bodies, including the Utkal Chamber of Commerce & Industries.)
NDTV
4 days ago
- NDTV
"I Don't Believe In Billionaires": CEO Donates Most Of $1.6 Billion Fortune
Brian O'Kelley, the co-founder and former CEO of ad-tech company AppNexus, made headlines after revealing that he gave away the majority of his $1.6 billion earnings from the sale of his company to AT&T in 2018, according to Fortune Magazine. Despite owning a 10% stake in AppNexus, O'Kelley chose to keep less than $100 million for himself and his family, donating the rest to causes they care about. O'Kelley, now 48, said the decision was made after a thoughtful discussion with his wife about how much money was truly "enough". They calculated a comfortable amount, doubled it for security, and gave away the remainder. He explained that his decision was not just about generosity but also about maintaining a grounded lifestyle and staying connected to everyday realities. O'Kelley believes extreme wealth can disconnect people from society and lead to irresponsible spending. He criticises the billionaire lifestyle, private islands, yachts, and luxury excess as unnecessary and "obnoxious", according to Fortune. "I don't believe in billionaires. I think it's just ridiculous," the serial entrepreneur exclusively told Fortune, adding that he kept less than $100 million from his 10% stake in the startup after it was acquired. Currently leading a new startup focused on tracking supply chain emissions, Scope3, O'Kelley says he has no plans to ever become a billionaire, even if his next venture succeeds. He also shared concerns about raising his children with too much luxury, wanting them to experience life with limits and values. In a world where the number of billionaires is growing rapidly, O'Kelley's actions stand in sharp contrast. He believes true wealth should come with accountability, and that living with financial boundaries keeps people honest and responsible.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
AT&T data breach settlement: Who's eligible, how to claim, and what to know
Millions of AT&T customers can now file claims in a $177 million legal settlement over two data breaches. People may get up to $7,500 each, according to CBS news report. AT&T reached a settlement: $149M for the first breach, $28M for the second.(REUTERS) The first breach, announced in March 2024, exposed data from 73 million current and former customers. That included birth dates and Social Security numbers, which were found on the dark web. The second breach, announced in July 2024, involved hackers stealing call and text records from a third-party cloud platform. This affected nearly all AT&T wireless customers. After the breaches, many lawsuits were filed across the country. These were later combined into two class-action cases. On August 4, 2025, AT&T said a settlement has been reached. $149 million will go to people affected by the first breach. $28 million will go to those impacted by the second breach. Also Read: AT&T has a new budget-friendly plan for seniors: Do you qualify? The settlement still needs final approval. A court hearing is set for December 3, 2025, in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Customers can file claims while waiting. Who are eligible to file ? Anyone whose data was exposed in either breach can file. Emails are being sent to eligible customers from attsettlement@ The claims are being handled by Kroll Settlement Administration. If you're not sure if you qualify, call (833) 890-4930. How to file? You must fill out a claim form by November 18, 2025. Go to to file online or request a paper form. Filing a claim means you give up your right to sue AT&T later over these breaches. How much you can receive ? Up to $5,000 for people affected by the March 2024 breach. Losses must have happened in 2019 or later. Up to $2,500 for people affected by the July 2024 breach. Losses must have happened on or after April 14, 2024. Up to $7,500 for people affected by both breaches. You must show proof that your losses were caused by the breaches. When payments might happen ? The court will decide on December 3, 2025. If the settlement is approved, there may still be delays due to appeals and claim processing. Payments will not be sent until sometime after that. The settlement site says to be patient.
