Power reform programme to be implemented soon…

• The Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (R-APDRP) of UT electricity department will soon be implemented as the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission ( JERC) has accorded its approval to the department for availing the funds from the central government through the Power Finance Corporation (PFC). These funds will be used towards the implementation of Part-A of R-APDRP scheme for creation of reliable and automated systems with IT intervention for sustained collect ion of accurate baseline data.

• R-APDRP will have projects which would be undertaken in two parts - part A and part B. Part-A includes the projects for establishment of baseline data and IT applications for energy accounting/auditing and setting up IT based consumer service centres. Part-B shall include regular distribution strengthening projects. Part-A also covers SCADA implementation which facilitates centralized control of power supply position in Chandigarh. PFC has been appointed as a nodal agency for this Central Government funded scheme.

• The Government of India will provide 100% loan for part-A of the scheme and the entire amount of loan for it shall be converted into a grant after establishment of required baseline data system within a stipulated time frame. According to electricity department officials, the R-APDRP system will sort out various problems, while adding that the data related to meters and electricity consumption in various places will be available at the click of a mouse with the management information system. Also areas where there will be a power cut would also be identified early.

• A total of 17 modules are to be implemented in part-A, making most of the work of the electricity department computerized and web-based. The consumer will get to know the progress of any work by logging on to the electricity department's website. The centralized customer care centre will also be established which will work 24X7. The consumer can approach the centre at any time with his or her complaint and would get a number for further reference. Touch screen kiosks will also be established through which consumers will be able to get any information they want and pay their bills at any time.