Energy Sector-III

Energy Sector-III

Recent Developments in Power Sector

• Bihar Smart Prepaid Metering:
  • Since their inception in November 2012, both the North and South Power Distribution Companies have come a long way to achieve universal electrification in Bihar and is able to provide the electric connection to all willing households.
  • However, as of now, the consumer mix and sales mix of these two distribution companies are quite different from the majority of DISCOMs in the country.
    • In Bihar, out of 1.59 crore consumers, 92 percent are domestic consumers, and consequently, there is a constant challenge of timely billing and payments, especially in rural areas.
  • During the last few years, both the DISCOMs have successfully implemented spot-billing. However, dependency of quality meter-reading is another constant challenge for the success of spot-billing. Coupled with this, there has been a considerable proportion of wrong billing, non-payment by consumers, non-recording of consumers loads and theft, etc. resulting in high AT&C loss.
  • To address these issues, the State Government has decided to go for smart metering. Under this initiative, the simple prepaid meter has been installed in selected consumer premises.
    • This initiative is producing good results concerning billing and collection. However, there are a few limitations and challenges, linked to accounting and the implementation of change in tariff.
  • Before the rolling out of smart meter, the benefits of simple prepaid meter and the smart meter has been discussed at the highest level. A decision has been taken to implement the smart meter with prepaid functionality in the state in a phased manner.
  • The State Government has already provided necessary approvals to implement the smart metering with prepaid functionality for all consumers in March 2019. Since then, smart metering with prepaid functionality is being implemented in the state.
  • An MOU was signed in August 2018 with Energy Efficiency Service Ltd. (EESL) for 18 lakh meters for urban consumers, which was later revised to 23.5 lakh to cover 5.5 lakh existing and prospective agriculture consumers.
  • Initially, there were challenges to develop pre-paid functionality in smart metering architecture. EESL has selected EDF as system integrator, and EDF has engaged Accenture as a software developer and all the stakeholders have successfully solved the issues.
  • The smart metering functionalities at the consumer-end and the pre-paid metering functionality with arrear management have already integrated with the NIC billing solution of DISCOMs.
  • The daily consumption is calculated and updated on consumer application, and the corresponding amount is used to deduct from the prepaid balance. This information is available to the consumer regularly. All the smart metering functionalities are working efficiently.
  • Also, smart meters are currently being installed under the new connection facilitics linked to ‘Har Ghar Nal Jal Yojana’. Till September 2020, 73,209 smart meters on prepaid mode have already been installed in urban areas.
• Bill on Missed Call through SMS:
  • The consumer can now get information through SMS on the current payment due against electricity connection and due date, by giving a missed call on 7666008833.
  • Additionally, the URL for downloading the latest electricity bill has also been provided in the system. This service has reduced consumer visits to the electricity office.
• Mobile Number Registration through Missed Call:
  • Now consumers can register/ update their latest mobile numbers by giving a missed call on 7666008833.
  • The consumer receives a message with a link for registering a new mobile number and a One Time Password (OTP). After opening the link, the consumer will have to enter the Consumer Account (CA) number and OTP for the registration of the new mobile number.
• Introduction of Spot Billing and Revenue Collection Agencies:
  • For promoting competition among collection agents and for ensuring optimum billing and collection services at the doorstep, DISCOMs have engaged Spot Billing and Revenue Collection Agencies in areas where RRF model was not successful.
• Special Task Foree (STF):
  • The DISCOMs have developed a software application to monitor various raids conducted by the Special Task Force (STF) to improve the efficiency of STF.
  • With this facility, DISCOM is able to analyze various information related to raids done by the STF staff.
• Suvidha Mobile APP:
  • The DISCOMs have developed a mobile application (SUVIDHA) to facilitate various services for consumers.
  • These services include -new service connection, online bill payment, downloading previous bills, viewing payment transactions, registration of complaints, information on electricity theft, load change service, correction of spelling in the name and address and mobile number etc.
  • Consumers are able to check the status of the service requests through the SUVIDHA App. All supply divisions are also equipped with the SUVIDHA counters. The counter is acting as a single-window interface between the service provider and consumers.
  • The officer, present at the SUVIDHA counter, assists the consumer by providing required information related to various services of electricity supply.
• Meter Replacement App:
  • To expedite the meter replacement and billing processes, an App has been developed and implemented, which reduces substantial time in replacement and billing process and lead to higher consumer satisfaction.
• Real Time Data Acquisition System (RT-DAS):
  • To improve the quality of electricity supply in IPDS towns, DISCOMs are in the process of implementing Real-Time Data Acquisition System for generating SATFI/SAIDI reports which will provide details about the quality of electricity supply.
  • The project covers approximately 470 feeders in 129 towns of SBPDCL and NBPDCL under IPDS scheme.
  • The system will provide real-time data of 33 KV & 11 KV feeders such as breaker position, power, voltage, frequency and power factor to control center. The work is under progress.
• Implementation of ERP and Single Billing Solution:
  • The DISCOMs are in the process of implementing the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) to improve the Government-to-Employee services. The ERP exercise includes human resources, finance, procurement and projects.
  • Presently, there are two billing systems, one for rural and the other for urban areas. Now DISCOMs are in process of implementing a single billing solution with the latest technology.
• Social Media:
  • For creating an enabling environment, DISCOMs are in a process to establish a dedicated cell to answer any issues or concern, raised in social media. The DISCOMs have already created an official account on Facebook and YouTube and started promoting various schemes in those platforms to keep the consumers updated on policy issues.
• GPS-based Survey of Electrical Assets:
  • Geo-tagging of all electrical assets and the network is essential to monitor and maintain the same. A tender has already been floated for selecting an agency to do a GPS-based survey of the electrical networks in IPDS towns and selection process has started.
• Implementation of ISO 27001:
  • The DISCOMs are in the process of implementing ISO 27001:2013 certification for adopting best practices in cyber security, which would secure all its IT infrastructures.

Bihar Renewable Energy Development Ageney (BREDA):

• With the growing concern of climate change, the use of clean energy perhaps seems to be one of the most viable solutions for mankind to preserve the environment for the future generation. Thus, for promoting renewable energy, the State Government has created an agency called Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA).
  • The State Government provides fund to BREDA for expenditure on subsidies and establishmcnts.
• BREDA is currently executing the projects linked to installing the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Power Plant under the Jal Jeevan Haryali Yojna, and other Solar Power Projects.

Bihar State Hydroelectric Power Corporation (BSHPC)

• Besides the thermal power, Bihar also generates power from water resources and, presently, this is being exploited through several hydroelectric power projects.
• The Bihar State Hydroelectric Power Corporation (BSHPC) was established to oversee the expansion of hydroelectric power projects in the state.
• During the Tenth Plan, BSHPC had started exploring possibilities for major hydroelectric projects. At present, 13 minor hydel projects are operational in the state with a total installed capacity of 54.3 MW.
  • Kosi Hydel Power Station (KHPS): The Kosi Hydro Power Station (Kataiya, Birpur), consisting of 4 units of 4.8 MW each, was commissioned during 1970-78.
    • This project was handed to BSHPC in November 2003. The renovation work of 3 out of 4 units has already been completed and they have started power generation.
  • Eastern Gandak Canal HE (Hydroelectric) Project: The Eastern Gandak Canal HE Project at Valmikinagar, West Champaran was commissioned during 1996-97, consisting of 3 units of 5 MW each.
  • Sone Western Link Canal HE Project : Sone Western Link Canal HE Project at Dehri-on- Sone (Rohtas) consisting of 4 units of 1.65 MW each, was commissioned during 1991-92.
  • Sone Eastern Link Canal HE Project: Sone Eastern Link Canal HE Project at Barun (Aurangabad), consisting of 2 units of 1.65 MW each, was commissioned during 1996-97.
  • Agnoor HE Project: Agnoor HE Project in Arwal district, consisting of 2 units of 0.5 MW each, was commissioned during 2004-05.
  • Dhelabagh HE Project: Dhelabagh HE Project in Rohtas distriet, consisting of 2 units of 0.5 MW each, was commissioned during 2006-07.
  • Triveni Link Canal HE Project : Triveni Link Canal HE Project in West Champaran district, consisting of 2 units of 1.5 MW each, was commissioned during 2007-08.
  • Nasriganj HE Project: Nasriganj HE Project in Rohtas district, consisting of 2 units of 0.5 MW each, was commissioned during 2007-08.
  • Sebari HE Projeet: Sebari HE Project in Rohtas district, consisting of 2 units of 0.5 MW each, was commissioned during 2008-09.
  • Jainagra HE Project: Jainagra HE Project in Rohtas district, consisting of 2 units of 0.5 MW each, was commissioned during 2007-08.
  • Shirkhinda HE Project: Shirkhinda HE Project in Rohtas district, consisting of 2 units of 0.35 MW each, was commissioned during 2009-10.
  • Belsar HE Project: Belsar HE Project in Arwal district, consisting of 2 units of 0.5 MW each, was commissioned during 2011-12.
  • Arwal HE Project: Arwal HE Project at Arwal, consisting of l unit of 0.5 MW, was commissioned during 2011-12.
• Presently, the construction work is in progress for 11 more schemes. e.g. in Amethi, Tejpura, Paharma, Barwal etc.
• BSHPC is also engaged in exploring the possibilities of following projects in the state:
  • Dagmara HE Project (130 MW): The State Government proposes to construct the multipurpose Dagmara (130 MW) Hydel Project on Kosi river in Supaul district. The work relating to DPR of the project is in advance stage. Most of the approvals on draft DPR from CEA/CWC/MoWR have been received.
  • Indrapuri HE Project (190 MW): The Department of Water Resources is currently preparing the DPR to construct the dam. After finalization of DPR, hydro-electric power project of 190 MW (approximate) will be constructed.
  • Gandak, Burhi Gandak & Mahananda River Basin Projects: To assess the possibility to construct a Hydro Power in the Gandak, Burhi Gandak and Mahananda River Basins, the State Government has completed a survey in the region. As per the feasibility report, the sites and capacity of the projects have already been identified.
  • Solar Plant on Vacant Land in Hydel Projects: The BSHPC has decided to install solar plants on the rooftops of buildings of powerhouses, vacant lands, power channels and tailrace channels for the generation of 10 MW of solar power.

Impact of Covid-19 and Initiatives by the Energy Department:

• Due to the lockdown, all activities of the power sector were severely affected. The state utilities were forced to operate with the minimum required workforce during the lockdown period.
• The field activities of the utilities, particularly linked to revenue, also came to a halt from March to June; but to maintain the power supply and safety and security of the grid, the Department did undertake necessary activities daily.
• Due to the prohibition of activities such as meter reading, spot billing. collection at Bill Payment Centers, etc., the DISCOMs were affected most, resulting in cash flow crunch. This resulted in a reduction in billing efficiency and collection efficiency and eventually increase in AT&C loss and increase in ACS-ARR gap for the financial year.
• Apart from that, due to the extreme reduction in per day revenue recovery which decreased by about 60 percent, the DISCOMs faced a huge challenge to pay their monthly bills to the generating and transmission companies.
• The power demand in the state was also reduced severely in March and April as compared to the past.
• However, despite the lockdown and severe challenges, the state power sector utilities ensured continuity of power supply in the state. The distribution utilities took necessary steps to solve the issues linked to the supply restoration, and at the same time, was addressing the safety-related complaints of the consumers.
• Both DISCOMs and transmission company strived hard to maintain grid stability during this period. Further, a month on month comparison of peak demand from March to September during 2018-19 and 2019-20 shows that the demand for power did not rise as per the projections made by the DISCOMs.
  • This severely affected the demand planning, surrendering of power and increased fixed cost liability at a time when the DISCOMs are passing through a financial crisis.
• As stated previously, 92 percent of the consumers in the state belong to the domestic category. Despite the challenges, the DISCOMs undertook the following initiatives to provide relief to its Consumers.
  • The DISCOMs raised bills based on the average consumption of the last 3 months on a provisional basis till June 2020 and transmitted the bills to consumers through digital mode such as email/ SMS/ WhatsApp
  • For timely payments, through digital and online mode the consumers received two percent discounts from April to June. An overall discount of 3.5 percent was provided to the consumers who made payment through the Suvidha Application within the due date.
  • Due to the non-payment or delayed payments of bills, DISCOMs didn’t take any coercive measures on consumers.
  • The DPS (Delayed Payment Surcharge) charged to consumers on the bills for the period March 25, 2020 to June 30, 2020 was reduced from 1.25 percent to 0.75 percent.
  • Further, in light of the decision of the State Government and the rebate received by the DISCOMs from CPSEs, the DISCOMs in Bihar decided to pass on the complete amount (waived off by the CPSEs) to the consumers of the Industrial and Commercial categories, in the form of complete exemption to their respective monthly demand charges for April and May 2020.
  • Despite several odds due to COVIN-19, the DISCOMs did not forget its field workers. The field staff and fourth-grade staff received safety items, such as sanitiser, mask and gamchha (towel).
  • The migrant workers of the Department who couldn’t move to their home place due to non- availability of transport during lockdown period were also duly taken care of.