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A Pen drive Journey to the Assam State Electricity Board Prabir Kumar Dey Junior Manager AEGCL, Salakati

Station Where Platform ticket immaterial

To bail out the dilapidated state power sectors of India and to expedite the requirement of rapid growing demand as well as to manage the huge financial need from various corner, the Electricity Act, 2003 was enacted with an objective to curtail the so called monopoly of the State Electricity Boards. The tariff fixation mechanism introduced through the Quadra-judiciary regulator to declutch the Governmental intervention. On the other hand , the Act vested more responsibilities on the state Government to ensure uninterrupted quality power to all at a reasonable rate besides electrification of all hamlets within a stipulated period.

Huge financial burden and liabilities of the SEBs had been liquidated by the Government. Besides that, so much fund are being provided through various scheme for overall improvement of the power sector being the key prime mover for the GDP growth. Power sectors are so given preference in many field including five year plans. India’s Energy Intensity is:- 3.7 times of Japan Flag off 1.55 times of to change USA gear 1.47 times of In Assam, it can be said that, earlier ASEB was more powerful on its monopoly than post-reform ASEB or its successor companies because of accountability to the state Government. W.e.f. 11th June, 2004, ASEB is regulated by section 172(a) of the Electricity Act, 2003. Now, it is the time for the management of individual company to prove their efficiency in respective company. There will be no escape route if the Government decides to engage private agency because the State Government is made responsible and accountable to the Government of India with their power sector. Whether, the privatization route is viable or not is another matter but the Government may try that extent also.

Station

Junction Choice of Optional destination

Loss of over Rs. 6000 crores had to digest by the Delhi Government from budget allocation in last three years after privatization of its Distribution Sector.

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Formation of three Distribution Companies in Assam thrown the matter in a deep confusion in the sense that1. The Assam Electricity Act emphasized the equal tariff through out the State. 2. The National Tariff Policy emphasized the procurement of power by DISCOM through competitive bidding process. 3. All three own generating stations are fall under UAEDCL. All out side sources are thermo-hydel mixed. 4. The existing PPA under ASEB are either to be transferred to the three DISCOMs or may have to be surrendered to paint the name plate of ASEB. 5. The DISCOMs are mandated to retain a portion of incentive for attaining profit by loss reduction sharing with their consumers. 6. DISCOMs are to acquire commercial viability on their own. 7. Uniform Tariff in three DISCOMs which were formed with a motto to achieve commercial viability by their own work. 8. To implement Multi Year Tariff system, accurate judgment on performance indicator or respective managerial efficiency may be trouble some affairs in case of three DISCOMs as individual entity under one umbrella. 9. Each DISCOM will be accountable to the Government for utilization of fund under various scheme. Under such complicacy, provably, the Assam Government, in 2005-06 once had thought for unification of three DISCOMs. Even, the AERC had to face some trouble with its own time frame to finalize the Tariff order for 2006-07. Declaration of National Tariff Policy as well as Election in Assam made the issue politically more complex for Assam at that time being. % Energy loss in Electrical equipments at Full load variation

Halt Where Mail Train stopped

Equipment Outdoor Circuit Breaker ( 15 to 230 KV ) Generator Medium Voltage Switchgear ( 5 to 15 KV ) Current Limiting Reactor Transformer Load Break Switch Medium Voltage Starter Bus ways less than 430 Volts Low Voltage switchgear Motor Control Canters Cables Large Rectifier Static Variable speed drive Capacitors

Minimum

Maximum

0.002 0.019 0.005 0.09 0.40 0.003 0.02 0.05 0.13 0.01 1.00 3.00 6.00 0.50

0.015 3.50 0.02 0.30 1.90 0.25 0.15 0.50 0.34 0.40 4.00 9.00 15.00 6.00

If a 11 KV distribution line is converted to 33 KV line then, (a) Voltage drop will be lowered by a factor of 1/3 (b) Line loss will be lowered by a factor of 1/9

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Un-audited peak demand on ASEB is about 800 MW. The power intake position and approximate power cost of last year are as followsShare of ASEB’s Power Own Generation CSGS DLF ( IPP ) Total From 11th Plan Shelf LTPS ( WH ) NTPS ( Ext. ) Amguri CCGT ( IPP ) Total by 2012

340 MW 565 MW 16 MW 921 MW 38 MW 100 MW 100 MW 1159 MW

Business aspect of ASEB Power Handling aspect Power purchase from CSGS Power purchase from DLF Fron own Generation Power purchase from MeSEB

Cost/unit Rs. 1.50 Rs. 2.00 Rs. 2.25 Rs. 3.00

Power purchase from Trader Power sell to Trader Power sell to Consumer ( avg)

Rs. 5.00 Rs. 2.00 Rs. 4.38

Electricity consumption and its handling aspect of Assam is seems to be as follows:Sl.No Particulars 1 2 3 4 5 6

2002-03

MU injected to three DISCOMs

3218.37 5 MU realised by three DISCOMs 1960.81 2 Over all T&D Loss ( in % ) 39 Avg. load demand as MW 372 Avg. realisation as MW 227 Avg. Loss in MW 145

200304 3268

20042005-06 05 3154.45 3257.93

1907

2190

2241.47

37.8 378 221 157

36.51 365 253 157

35.67 377 259 158

Over all T & D Losses and average loss in MW that the ASEB had to encountered in 2005-06 includes losses at PGCIL 4.5% (13.63 MW), AEGCL 6.5% ( 26.21 MW ), and Distribution 31.2% ( 117.64 MW ). The rate of increase in demand and reduction of losses and resulted ultimate net grid demand may balance the power position of Assam by 2012 if the three new project are commissioned as scheduled in the 11th Plan.

No Signal Stop Engine refueling

As per current Reserve / Production ratio:(a) World’s proven coal reserve is for about (b) World’s proven Gas reserve is for about (c) World’s proven Oil reserve is for about (d) The proven coal reserve of India is for about (e) Proven coal reserve of Assam is about

200 years 65 years 35 years 230 years 390 mTon

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One of the major Green House Gas contributor is coal based thermal power stations. Yet, in view to meet up the fast growing electricity demand in the country, coal based thermal power station is still preferred. National Clean Development Mechanism Policy and the Renovation & Modernization Policy for coal based thermal power stations are so encouraging to revive old power stations as a low cost option due to already developed infrastructure resulting less gestation period.

Station Crossin g the big brother

**In last 26 years, ASEB has added 100 MW to its installed capacity and abandoned 309 MW from its installed capacity. **In view of Generation and Distribution aspect, it can be said that, Environment in Upper Assam is suited to ASEB for Generation and that of Lower Assam for Distribution

BTPS , during its 18 years of life span, achieved its highest PLF of 24.16% in the year 1995-96. The plant which was designed and techno-commercially cleared by the Central Electricity Authority is a history now. Rs. 3.75 per unit of power cost from renovated BTPS justify the decommissioning and disposing the developed infrastructure and machineries is a question which will remain always answerable. As said, failure of BTPS was due to coal supply hurdles. If coal from Raniganj 950 KM away from Salakati using single Railway Track was the problem, then the question of sustainable survival of 750 MW mega project of NTPC at Salakati using coal from Margherita 760 KM away from Salakati through single Railway Track can not be overruled. At least 12 nos of loaded coal rack and same nos. of empty rack will be on the pipe line on this single track during any 24 hours. BTPS was facing severe intake water problem due to gradual bed-rise and low quantity of water flow through the only natural over ground water source, the Champabati river. One irrigation project and the newly proposed mini hydro-electric project on the upstream of this river may further reduce the necessary quantum of water for the new mega project. CTPS, during its 25 years of life span achieved highest PLF of 65.78% in the year 1978-79. Except the stabilization period in the initial years, this plant bears an excellent record of PLF. Specific policy and decision on the fate of its infrastructure yet to be taken. Sometimes, it was proposed to run it for a while on lean-hydel period, some times it was disclosed to convert it as gas based in view of extension of gas pipe line by 2008 and now it is thought about to convert it as coal based power station. KHEP project, at last come to life. It is proved that, initiative and commitment from the part of state Government as well as ASEB is a must for improvement of the Assam Power Sector which was almost absence for so many years resulted dismal position of own generation sector. Now, the time will say about its sustainable existence.

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NTPS is still running since 1965-66. Highest PLF achieved by 42 years old plant was 51.44 % in the year 1981-82 . Extension programme of its life and capacity will definitely boost up the power scenario of Assam as a whole. The young and dynamic LTPS, achieved the highest PLF among ASEB’s own generators of 67.06% in the second year of its birth i.e. 1982-83. Unfortunately, LTPS, the only reliable power station whose unit can be put in to service within a very short time with less manpower is facing severe hardship with adequate gas supply. Virtually, it is running as per mercy of GAIL control room. On line simulation of this plant with Ebsilon Software may instantly quantify the financial loss the ASEB is facing due to its own weak gas supply agreement. Out of 27 coal blocks in Assam, 10 blocks are identified for power sector. Considering the consumer pattern, characteristics of Assam coal and rate of increase of power demand on ASEB grid, smaller units with FBC technology at pit head may be beneficial. Station Track change

BTPS complex is a place where His excellency President of India landed in the year 1985 and Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in the year 2006. Dust of one’s feet like His excellency Governor of Assam, Hon,ble Chief Minister, Power Minister and other dignitaries also witnessed at BTPS complex but finally it is died.

However, the very good news for us that, as a new mile stone, on 13 th January, 06, NTPC had announced that, ‘ a proposal is under consideration for transfer of existing infrastructure of 240 MW ( 4 x 60 MW ) Bongaigaon Thermal Power Station of ASEB in Assam to NTPC Ltd and for setting up a new 2 x 250 MW Power Station at the same location by NTPC subject to establishment of techno-commercial viability’. Hon’ble Prime Minister had laid the foundation stone for the new project on 16th January,06 at Salakati. On 31st July,06, NTPC had disclosed that, a 500 MW project has been identified at Bongaigaon, Assam for XI Plan capacity addition program subject to allocation by state Government and upon obtaining necessary statutory approvals. Lastly, NTPC has kept the new BTPS of 750 MW as new project being pursued for benefit starting in the 11th Plan subject to timely linkage, clearance / approvals. Normally, the Ministry of Power, Govt. of India reserve the 15 % share from all generating stations in India irrespective of ownership except captive plant. The new BTPS of 750 MW capacity will be a Mega Project status due to its location at NE Region and may be entitled to get some benefit like Tax holiday and on procurement of equipment etc. As per NEREB Itanagar meeting, 450 MW of power from new BTPS is allotted to Assam. But, if the latest proposal of Ministry of Power to drop the condition that requires mega power project to sell electricity to states other than where the projects are located is finalized, then, Assam will have to procure at least 600 MW of power from new BTPS. 5

After handing over the developed infrastructure to NTPC for Re 1-/, if the cost of power from new BTPS is fixed at par Green Field Project, the question of cost benefit analysis for this huge public property may arise from any corner. On the other hand, National Tariff Policy guided the Distribution companies to procure power through competitive tariff bidding route. So, it will be difficult for State Government to compel the DISCOMs to procure costly power from new BTPS and the ASEB may have to surrender the existing PPA of low cost power instead of transfer it to its DISCOMs. It may invite risk analysis necessity for ASEB and the Govt of Assam in view of its consumer pattern, density, growth rate as well as Transmission and Distribution network in the present circumstances of short term relation with Traders. Evacuation of power from ONGC’s Tripura project is already planned through dedicated 400 KV line to the PGCIL substation at Salakati to be connected with the Eastern Grid. Similarly, entire hydro power from Arunachal Pradesh is planned to be evacuated through 650 KV DC Viswanath Chariali – Agra line to be connected with Northern Grid. So, the hope of Assam to get low cost large power is likely to be thin. The best option may be to set up own coal based power station of smaller unit at pit head. Sustainable development of power sector some how depends upon vision, mission and commitment instead of making it a ground for play till retirement or end of tenure. Stoppage Under compulsion

80% of world’s population resides in developing countries and consume only 40% of world’s total energy consumption. We, the human being consumed 60% of world’s natural resources in last 200 years.

West Bengal, one of the leading state that had enforced the stringent anti-theft legislation after enactment of the Electricity Act, 2003 and have single DISCOM. Systematic planned approach as well as Top Management Commitment helped them to achieve 20 % reduction of AT&C losses in last five years.

Station The last meal from Pantry Car

5% reduction of over all T & D loss in India can avoid capacity addition of 10,000 MW which may avoid investment of Rs. 1,00,000 crores in Power Sector.

1% reduction of over all T&D loss of Assam Power Sector may save about Rs. 15 crores annually. Rs. 100 crores will be required to install a power station to make up this 1% loss. Hon’ble Prime Minister, in his historic speech from Red Fort on 15 th August, 07, expressed his dissatisfaction over the performance of post reform power sector of India. While considering the importance of energy conservation route, the conference of the

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Hon’ble Chief Ministers chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 28th May,07 has recognized the significant potential of saving electricity through its efficient use by demand side management. The 11th Plan envisaged Rs. 502.2 crores with a target of 5 % reduction of loss. The State Government will have to strengthen its State Designating Agency to implement the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 to get its immediate gain. The loss of ASEB, whether we call it T & D Losses or AT & C Losses, comprises various components. Too much administrative cost, Excessive non-productive expenditure, Negligence in duty, Elapsed corporate reaction time, Error and Failure of human resources, Lack of administrative initiatives in commercial attitude are some how the contributor to the loss components. Material and Energy Balancing to identify the various loss components other wise it will be unfair to pass the blame only as T & D Losses. Still, the ASEB or its successor companies have no Energy Policy. Absence of effective Energy Management Cell with adequate mandate, appointment of Energy Manager, and initiative to get Energy Audit through Accredited Energy Auditing Firm is the need of the hour where the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, a statutory body under Ministry of Power , Government of India is always at the door step to guide the Designated Consumers.

Station The last handle of the Last Bus

Efficiency of a human being is about 8 to 14% and consume at least 2653 Kcal of energy every day which is equivalent to a glass full of diesel oil costing about Rs. 10.00

Engaging external agency on the Human Resource Development affairs of ASEB, and providing local, national or international training with so much financial involvement must have some positive impact. But, how much development or cost benefit that the Developed Human Resources of ASEB are contributing to the organization is a matter of analysis. Ministry of Power, Govt. of India is being managed by 313 personnel including 46 women employees. Bijulee Bhawan, the H.Q. of Assam Power Sector is manned by about 700 employees whose own generation is 340 MW, grid demand is around 800 MW. Over and above, employees from far end are required to visit Bijulee Bhawan two to three times to get their pay slip or other work done that too not in due time. During office hours of any day, about 50 to 100 employees from various parts of Assam can be seen at Bijulee Bhawan those who come to get their work done that may be very simple or minor. These loss of costly man days can easily be avoided if their work done at proper time and manner by the H.Q people barring keeping the spectacle or coat at the chair to mark their attendance. So, every thing to be measured whether it is negligence from the part of management resulting victimization and demoralization of down stream employees or cost effectiveness for too much corporate reaction time. Due 7

to non-availability of measured value of all components, my journey remain defectoinconclusive. DO NOT ESTIMATE IF YOU CAN CALCULATE DO NOT CALCULATE IF YOU CAN MEASURE IF YOU DO NOT MEASURE YOU CAN NOT MANAGE

The Author is a Certified Energy Manager of the Energy Conservation Act.2001, under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India. Passed DOEACC “O” level computer course under Ministry of Telecommunication, Govt. of India. Attended one day workshop on “ Simulation of Power Plant with Ebsilon Software” under Indo-German Energy Programme, conducted by the Ministry of Power, Central Electricity Authority and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Government of India. Also attended two days workshop on “ Procedure for determining and Certifying Combined Heat and Power ( CHP ) systems “ organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and Ministry of Power under Life Long Learning ( 3 L ) Programme. Address: Prabir Kumar Dey Junior Manager 220 KV Salakati Grid Substation AEGCL, Salakati Phone: 03661-276111( R ) , Mobile 9435322629 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

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