"Apart from these, we are also exploring other methods", said a senior Gridco official.Under its power sector reforms programme, the state is committed to abolish its monopoly in all areas of power business and has already decided to divest 49 per cent of equity in OHPC. However, mode of this disinvestment is is yet to be finalised, he said. After OHPC privatisation of Gridco's transmission business will be taken up, he said.OHPC has an installed capacity of 1296 mw which is generated from five power stations, including Hirakud (Burla and Chiplima331.5 mw) Balimela (360 mw), Upper Kolab (320 mw ), Rengali (250 mw) and Machhkund hydel plant from which Orissa receives 34.5 mw. With the peak capability of 1100 mw these stations average annual generation capacity if around 4000 million units. With completion of Upper Indravati Hydro Electric Project of 600 mw and other ongoing projects annual generation capacity of OHPC will increase up to 6000 million units by next year.

The hydel power corporation has a authorised share capital of Rs 1000 crore and paid up equity share capital is Rs 320.80 crore. This would be enhanced to over Rs 600 crore with the commissioning of Upper Indravati plant.Apart from privatising state-owned existing projects, Orissa has also identifies small hydel projects to be set up by the IPPs. These location include Samal Barrage (18mw), Jalaput Dam (18mw) and Balimela Dam (60mw).Orissa also plans to set up joint ventures for new units to be implemented during the tenth plan. These include Chiplima-B (200mw), Hirakud-B (208mw) andSindol Complex (320 mw).

Orissa which has taken lead in power sector reforms has already set up state electricity regulatory commission. This has encourage private investors to invest in Orissa because the commission has already initiated restructuring of tariff which was one of the main demand of the private sector.While the thermal power generation was privatised earlier the state has recently divested 51 per cent of equity in its four power distribution companies. State has received financial assistance from the World bank for the power sector reforms. The Orissa reform model is being followed by other electricity board also.