Let me introduce myself as an individual who has been given an opportunity to live in an age of heightened versions of technological advances. People in most of the nations have forgotten the problems relating to basic needs. Basic infrastructure is now an aspect of the past. While some regions of the world are thinking about “Going Green”, others are trying to build “Autonomous Buildings” that operate independently from infrastructural support services. Unfortunately we are among those who still struggle for our basic needs and one such need is Electricity.
Electricity is one of the basic services that affect the economy of a state. There is a direct relationship between the well being of a state and availability of Electricity. Previously it was thought that generation of power is the only option of providing Electricity, however now Distribution of Power has become an area of great importance also. Reforms in Power Distribution is of critical importance for the state like J&K and following are some concepts that may be adopted to reduce AT&C (Aggregate Technical & Commercial) losses:

Preventive Maintenance: This is most important for a utility to ensure the functioning of the system. Annual Maintenance plans need to be made and implemented. Some of the basic preventive maintenance practices include Visual Inspections, Load Balancing, Routine Maintenance of Transformers, etc. This is the practice that does not involve much of the cost and rather is a labor oriented work and our PDD is not that labor scarce department. Preventive maintenance ensures reliability in power supply and less interruptions.

Energy Audit: Energy Audit is an inspection, survey and techno-commercial analysis of energy flows for energy conservation in an area. It is a basic activity that needs to be carried out by any utility to identify the areas where AT&C Losses are higher. Knowing our losses is a basic step towards the reduction of the same. Once areas are identified, the improvements may be worked out on the basis of the amount of losses. Higher the losses in an area, more the priority to be given for reduction of losses.

HVDS: HVDS or High Voltage Distribution System is a type of system where low capacity distribution transformers are installed close to the loads. Usually 25kVA & 16kVA transformers are installed to feed a group of houses (5-10 generally, depending upon the consumption and approved connected loads). This type of Distribution System has numerous advantages like Low Losses, High Voltage Regulation, High Power Factor, Low Transformer Failures, etc. However there is a cost involved in replacing the existing LVDS (Low Voltage Distribution System) to HVDS and PDD may start in new areas that need electrification. 

ABCs:  ABCs or (Aerial Bunched Cables) is another method of reducing the AT&C losses, by reducing the pilferage. Though it is not of that importance and may be replaced with practices like frequent inspections in areas which are more electricity theft prone.

Educating People:  Educating the people about the energy consumption is also a step towards the reduction of losses. Organizing social awareness programs, educating people about energy consumption is important as “Saving power is generating power”.
There are many other methods of ensuring reliable power supply; however, success of any method depends upon its implementation. Success of programs, schemes, studies, etc depends upon the right attitude of the staff and their will to implement the same. Even people of J&K need to know the importance of Electricity and thus work with the utility to ensure reliable power supply and hence the social well being.

Author presently works as Project Manager in UAE. Reach him at bilal.shama@gmail.com

Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST