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‘APEPDCL aims to provide uninterrupted power supply’
Mudavatu M Nayak, chairman and managing director of Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL), has several plans up his sleeves to transform APEPDCL into one of the best discoms in the country. A graduate in mechanical engineering from Andhra University, Nayak joined the Indian Administrative Service in August, 2005. Before he took over as the CMD of the APEPDCL in July, Nayak served as the district collector of Vizianagaram. In an interview with V Kamalakara Rao of TOI, Nayak speaks about his plans to develop APEPDCL and protect the interests of its over 50 lakh consumers.
What’s the current status of the APEPDCL?
We have reduced the transmission and distribution losses. The sale of meters is up by 84%. We have strengthened the network system. It has surplus power, and ranks among the best discoms in the country. However, there is a gap between the consumer and the service provider. We will reduce this gap. The services will be streamlined. The toll free number 1912 will be strengthened. A dedicated ADE-level officer was appointed to handle consumer grievances. There are interruptions in power supply. This is due to maintenance of power lines.
What are your plans to reduce interruptions in power supply?
The discom has installed equipment to prevent interruptions in power supply. We identify outage feeder on a real time basis to improve power supply. We have also planned to replace the existing ordinary conductors by advanced imported covered conductors. It will reduce power supply interruptions. We will implement this on a pilot basis in Visakhapatnam.
Are the applications for new connections cleared promptly?
Yes. I noticed several applications for new connections pending with us. We are now attending to them. Some of the applications were kept pending for technical reasons.
What is your main objective?
My plan is to see all APEPDCL consumers get uninterrupted and quality power supply. We will achieve this.
What are the core areas before you?
The core areas are better services to consumers, strengthening of power supply network and infrastructure and improving the quality of our staff.
Are any new ventures or projects coming up soon?
We have planned to install 146 sub-stations in next 18 months. This will reduce voltage fluctuation and power interruptions. We have proposed indoor sub-stations in urban areas including Visakhapatnam and outdoor sub-stations in rural areas. Infrared meters will also be installed in next three months.
Are there any information technology-enabled projects?
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is being planned in sub-stations. It works on IT. Smart grids and smart meters are also planned. We will install smart meters in 1,000 houses on pilot basis. Remote-operated agricultural pump sets are also part of our plan.
Do you have any ‘outsourcing’ plans?
We will extend all our services through Mee-Seva centres. Consumers need not approach us for any service. They can go to the nearest Mee-Seva centre. This will reduce the burden on our staff. It will also help the consumers. We are also planning to launch a pilot programme of door-to-door collection of electricity bills at Rajam town in Srikakulam district. We are planning to use the Kaizala App, which helped government officials for group communication during the Krishna Pushkaram. The Kaizala App can help my staff too.
Any plans to use social-networking platforms?
Presently, we are not on Facebook and Twitter. We will explore these platforms too.
What is present status of underground power supply network project for Vizag city?
We will shortly go for tenders for the first phase of the project aided by the World Bank.
What steps do you plan to take to check corruption?
Corruption prevails everywhere. I hope the IT-enabled smart systems and awareness among the consumers about the ill effects of bribe will bring down corruption. We take action whenever we receive complaints from consumers. Antoine Bethea Jersey
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