PSPCL out to curb power theft
Rajeev Bhaskar JALANDHAR

NOVEL INITIATIVE Meters to be installed at transformers to record power received, supplied

Facing huge loss due to power theft, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has decided to use Information Technology (IT) and install meters at distribution transformers in 47 identified towns across the state.
“Under the centrally-sponsored scheme Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (RAPDRP), R300 crore have been provided to the PSPCL for installing IT equipment to check power theft,” chief engineer (distribution), north zone, SS Sarna told Hindustan Times.

Forty-seven towns in the state have been identified for installation of meters – both at feeder and distribution transformers – work for which has been allotted to a Mumbai-based company, Spanco.

The company has already completed work in Patiala city and the project would be completed in the remaining cities by June 30, Sarna added.

Explaining on how the project would reduce power theft, the chief engineer said meter at both incoming and outgoing feeders would provide data of exact power released from it for distribution transformers.

At the distribution transformers, meters would be installed to record the data of power units supplied to a particular locality.

By calculating the difference in the power units recorded in

the meter installed at the transformer and meter reading at dwelling units, the PSPCL would come to know theft-prone areas and would conduct raids to nail down the violators, Sarna added.
All data of installed meters would be directly sent to the PSPCL’s headquarters in Patiala, where a monitoring system has already been installed,

Sarna said, adding that for a backup system is being installed at Jalandhar.
As of now, there is around 2021% power loss, including transmission losses to the tune of 8-12%. By installing meters at the source, the PSPCL aims to bring down losses below 15%, Sarna added.

The RAPDRP is divided into two phases.

Under the first phase, IT system would be installed and in the second phase, emphasis would be laid on improving the conventional system like installation of new transformers, where ever the need be, Sarna said. The PSPCL wants to provide excellent service to customers on par with the big metropolitan cities, which is possible only if the losses are reduced, he added.

To make the entire process foolproof, geographical mapping of all 47 towns is being conducted, so that each and every dwelling unit can be identified at the click of mouse, Sarna said, adding that once installed, power load of each and every transformer would also be balanced, which is currently not possible due to lack of information about the exact power load being consumed by individual households.

Punjab is the first state, which is adopting the RAPDRP in such a comprehensive manner. The union power ministry has put a condition that if the project is completed within a fixed time frame, the fund would be treated as grant. In case of delay, it will be treated as loan.