Keeping pace with the technological advancement, the Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) has launched a GPS-based repair vehicle tracking system for monitoring the replacement of DTRs (transformers). The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 70 lakh. It will be put into use on a pilot basis by the end of this month.
Giving details, APEPECL Director (operations) P. Rama Mohan said the vehicle would be tracked on Google Maps and alert sent through SMS.
“The entire process is automated and will be recorded online. Field inspection officers will get an update on their smart phones or tablet devices,” said Mr. Rama Mohan.
He said that transformer failure complaints were now being acknowledged through SMS.
“The SMS system of complaints was launched on June 20. So far, we have sent 3,232 messages to customers. This apart, we have also sent 11,063 messages regarding payment dues to customers. We also intend to send messages in Telugu for better understanding,” he told the media on Tuesday.
The APEPDCL also intends to form central fault rectification and maintenance teams (CFRMT), a quick reaction team, to attend to transformer breakdown and maintenance of lines.
Lineman recruitmentOn junior lineman recruitment, he said that 197 candidates were recruited for Rajahmundry, 80 for Srikakulam, 120 for Vizianagaram, 137 for Visakhapatnam, and 310 for Eluru.
Referring to a question on pending dues, Mr. Rama Mohan said that the total dues were Rs. 900 crore, of which Rs. 300 crore pertained to various state government departments, including minor and major panchayats.
“Out of the remaining Rs. 600 crore, most pertains to dues from various private sector and PSU companies. The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant alone has a due of Rs. 143 crore under Restriction and Control penalty,” he added.
