Job Opportunity: Ombudsman at Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission

Table of Contents

• Recruitment Overview
• About The Post Of Ombudsman
• Essential Qualifications And Experience
• Tenure, Pay And Facilities
• Role And Responsibilities
• Application Process
• Who Should Apply
• Why This Vacancy Matters

Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has invited applications for the post of Ombudsman (I & II) on a contractual basis, offering a high-responsibility quasi-judicial role for senior professionals with extensive experience in law, engineering, economics, finance, industry, civil service, or consumer affairs. There is one post advertised in the present notification, with a maximum age limit of 62 years and a consolidated monthly remuneration of ₹1,00,000 plus ₹12,000 as house rent, subject to conditions.

Recruitment Overview

The Ombudsman will discharge functions under Section 42(7) of the Electricity Act, 2003 and the OERC (Grievances Redressal Forum and Ombudsman) Regulations, 2004, making this a significant adjudicatory position in the state power sector.

About The Post Of Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is a statutory forum for redressing grievances of electricity consumers who are dissatisfied with the decisions of licensee-level grievance redressal forums. In Odisha, OERC appoints Ombudsmen to hear, adjudicate, and resolve such disputes under its regulations.

The current vacancy is designated as Ombudsman (I & II), indicating that the appointee may handle matters across more than one jurisdictional area or forum, as notified by the Commission.

Essential Qualifications And Experience

According to the official summary, the essential qualification and experience requirements are as follows:

• The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree.
• They must possess at least 25 years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Legal
  • Engineering
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Industry
  • Civil Service
  • Consumer Affairs
  • Or be a person of eminence.

Additionally:

• The applicant must be able to read and write Odia.
• Preference will be given to candidates having experience in the electricity sector.
• The applicant should have excellent communication skills.

These criteria clearly show that the role is meant for highly seasoned professionals rather than mid-career candidates.

Tenure, Pay And Facilities

The appointment will be for a maximum term of three years, subject to terms decided by OERC.

The remuneration structure is as follows:

• Monthly consolidated remuneration: ₹1,00,000.
• House Rent: An additional ₹12,000 per month is payable if official accommodation is not made available or is not availed during the tenure.

Given the seniority and quasi-judicial nature of the appointment, this package is designed to attract high-calibre professionals from government, regulatory, or industry backgrounds.

Role And Responsibilities

While the detailed functions are governed by the Electricity Act and OERC regulations, the key responsibilities of the Ombudsman typically include:

• Hearing appeals from consumers aggrieved by orders of Grievances Redressal Forums.
• Adjudicating consumer disputes in accordance with Section 42(7) of the Electricity Act, 2003.
• Issuing reasoned orders consistent with the OERC (Grievances Redressal Forum and Ombudsman) Regulations, 2004.
• Ensuring fair, transparent, and speedy redressal of consumer grievances.
• Interacting with distribution licensees and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with orders.

Because the Ombudsman’s role is quasi-judicial, the appointee must show independence, integrity, and a strong grasp of regulatory and consumer law principles.

Application Process

The notification provides multiple channels for submitting applications:

• Candidates must apply in the prescribed format.
• Applications can be submitted:
  • By Speed Post,
  • In person, or
  • Through email at orierc@gmail.com.

Applications must reach the Office of the Secretary, Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission, Plot No.4, Chunokoli, Sailashree Vihar, Bhubaneswar – 751021, on or before 17 July 2026 by 5 PM.

Applicants should ensure that:

• The prescribed application form is fully filled.
• Copies of educational certificates, experience documents, and proof of age are attached.
• Any supporting documents demonstrating experience in the electricity sector, consumer affairs, or regulatory roles are included.

Who Should Apply

This position is ideal for:

• Retired or serving senior officers from:
  • Legal and judicial services,
  • Engineering and technical services,
  • Economic and financial regulation,
  • Civil services, or
  • Consumer affairs.
• Professionals with long-standing experience in the electricity or utilities sector.
• Individuals with prior exposure to regulatory commissions, tribunals, or dispute resolution fora.
• Senior advocates or legal experts with deep knowledge of electricity law and consumer protection.

The requirement to read and write Odia means that candidates must also be linguistically equipped to handle consumer-centric work within the state.

Why This Vacancy Matters

The Ombudsman post at OERC is a crucial part of the consumer protection architecture in the power sector. With electricity services being a core public utility, the Ombudsman ensures that consumer grievances are addressed transparently and fairly, balancing the interests of consumers and utilities under the Electricity Act framework.

For senior professionals, this role offers:

• A respected quasi-judicial position.
• The opportunity to contribute to consumer rights and service quality.
• A platform to apply decades of sectoral or administrative experience in a focused adjudicatory capacity.

Official Link: https://www.orierc.org/CuteSoft_Client/writereaddata/upload/AdvertisementOmbudsman.pdf