As Odisha anticipates extreme summer temperatures, the state government has taken a decisive step to prohibit power disconnections for domestic consumers with unpaid electricity bills. This directive, announced by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, aims to provide relief during a period marked by rising cooling demands and frequent outages. Currently, Odisha's outstanding electricity dues stand at ₹6,957 crore, with domestic consumers responsible for ₹6,558.64 crore, representing over 94% of the total arrears. The government has mandated that no unscheduled power cuts occur for non-payment of bills until the monsoon season begins, addressing public complaints about outages particularly during peak hours. Any necessary power interruptions will be limited to essential maintenance and must be communicated in advance to the public. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has warned of strict consequences for distribution companies (Discoms) that cause avoidable disruptions, reinforcing the government's commitment to ensuring a reliable power supply. The Energy Department will oversee compliance with this directive, which is expected to ease the burden on consumers, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.