Opinion: New Power Paradigm

Every electric switch flipped on immediately demands power.
Power from a vast network of generating stations, huge hydroelectric projects,
hundreds of stations, unending distances of power lines dotted with transformers
of every shape and size; and all of this diligently manned by thousands of
people who ensure that the demand of every switch flipped on is met with pure
and constant electrical energy. The turn of the century has seen the growth and
permeation of technology into every sphere of life.

States such as Karnataka have been exemplary in adopting
and developing technology. All public services and utilities realised the need
to re-evaluate their plans and rework their estimates. Infrastructure
development became a priority and the ability to meet the new targets became a
metric of success for the residents as well as the hundreds of companies
investing in the state. The strain of growth was shared equally by Karnataka
Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL). The industry dynamics had
changed a lot in the last decade. KPTCL saw the paradigm of power utilities
shift from a supply side no-frills service to a demand side customer
satisfaction driven service.

IT in Power

KPTCL and the power distribution companies (ESCOMs) began evaluating
options. Reduction of the amount of power lost in transmission and distribution
became a priority. Transmission and distribution (T&D) losses of electricity
are the biggest challenges for the power sector and KPTCL began exploring ways
to reduce this. New monitoring systems, correlated with GIS data, identified the
areas and segments that needed attention. Remote metering provided data to
advanced analysis systems to help identify power consumption trends and how best
to optimise the state power grid.

Both in the state and nationwide, there are simulation
models and new technologies being implemented to help forecast demand as well to
decrease the time taken to implement a new project-since KPTCL and the ESCOMs
are also responsible for distribution, billing and payment collections. While
technical losses were being reduced, commercial losses due to non-payments and
also power theft cases were being tracked down. New centralized billing systems
and MIS were being installed in every sub division of the state. The new systems
helped identify potential loss causing cases; and at the same time introduced
new services and conveniences for the paying customers. The next generation of
CRM that provided proactive services such as SMS-based bill reminders and online
payments meant reduced arrears and quicker and complete collections. Realtime
cash management systems that could interface with the banks also provided better
fund management.

As systems and services kept improving, KPTCL and the
ESCOMS were also faced with the challenge of upgrading the skills of their
employees. The company has tied up with various organizations to train
employees. New HR systems were also introduced to identify and manage the vast
pool of human resource in the companies. The systems made it possible to track
people skills so they could be moved to the right locations such that it
benefits both employees and customers. KPTCL has resolved several critical
issues such as employee skills, inter-connectivity and networking of disparate
systems, meeting customer expectations, managing an ever-growing network and to
do all that with an eye towards safety, environment and citizen convenience.

By BL Meena,
managing director, KPTCL

Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited, is wholly owned by the
Government of Karnataka