Utility plans new system to fix power snags faster

MSEDCL to implement a new GIS-based system that will digitally display its distribution network; 13 lakh citizens will benefit from the Rs 200-crore project, which is already underway in other parts of the state

MSEDCL to implement a new GIS-based system that will digitally display its distribution network; 13 lakh citizens will benefit from the Rs 200-crore project, which is already underway in other parts of the state

Now, you no longer have to inform your utility service provider about a power snag at home and wait for hours to get it fixed. For, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) is all set to implement a Global Information System (GIS)-based plan that will digitally display the utility's entire distribution network,u00a0 highlighting the snag-riddled points, and help engineers fix the problem in a jiffy.


Deadline: MSEDCL is expected to complete the project in 18 months.
Representation pic

While the Rs 200-crore Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reference Program (RAPDRP) is already underway in different parts of the state, the preliminary geographical surveys for the project have begun in the city.

The project, which involves displaying several critical distribution systems and wiring on a single screen that can be accessed by a technician or any MSEDCL staff, is expected to be completed in 18 months. About 12 lakh consumers in the city will benefit from the project.

How it works
Usually, during any fault or 'tripping' at any tower, linemen and technicians are either informed by consumers or have to identify the location of the fault area themselves. But the GIS-based system will display the technical status of all equipment on a screen enabling engineers to identify the snag and reach the spot in a jiffy.
An MSEDCL official, on condition of anonymity, said that during summers, when consumption is high, often wires snap and systems develop snag because of heavy load, causing sudden power cuts.

"This will enable us to monitor the amount of electrical load on each wire so that we can take corrective steps before the outage occurs," added the official. The new system is enabled by Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA), which is a part of the overall project. Another feature is automatic meter reading (AMR) where the meter reading for bill calculation can be done online without physically visiting the consumer.
Two companies, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and SPANCO, have been awarded the contract.

Areas, which have a population exceeding 30,000, have been selected for the project and a loan of about
Rs 200 crore has been taken from the Power Finance Corporation of India (PFCI).

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