Can Avoid Power Cuts by Cutting Down Losses!

 Historical data of AP Power System

As per the "White Paper" dated 31.3.1999, prepared by A.P. TRANSCO, the total of 36380 MU units were available for sale in the system during 1997-98. The Energy Audit of AP Power System conducted month-wise, showed only 34799.50 MU as the total energy input from April 1997 to March 1998. Presumably the unaccounted difference of 1580.50 MU, which works out to be 4.34% of total units available for sale, is accounted as Transmission Losses ( 33KV & above) of the system.

The findings of the Energy Audit also showed 23254.82 MU, as the total actual sales during the year under the following categories.

     *HT Consumers    7703.79 MU (22.14%)       Metered

     *LT Consumers     7260.91 MU (20.86%)       Metered

     *Agl.  Consumers   8290.12 MU (23.82%)       Unmetered and estimated

The balance of 11544.68 MU, which works out to be 33.17% of energy input, was shown as energy lost in the system, over and above 4.34% transmission losses accounted for earlier. These losses in Distribution Network, may be classified into technical losses & commercial losses because of theft. The technical losses were estimated to be of the order of 6960 MU, working out to be 20% and the balance 4584.68 MU i.e. 13.17% is being treated as commercial losses. The total energy lost in the T&D system-13125.18 MU- is equivalent to the installed capacity of 1875 MW, assuming 7MU per MW at 80% Plant Utilization.

No Change even after more than a Decade

 As per the data available in APERC Tariff Order of July 2010, a total of 77, 828.26 MU is approved for purchase by 4 DISCOMS, permitting Transmission Losses of 4.86 % and Distribution Losses of 13.84%, accounting for total loss of 12,790.76 MU,equivalent to installed capacity of  about 1825 MW .

As the LT Sales constitute substantial part of the total sales of the DISCOMS, the verifiable data regarding LT Consumption is of very serious concern. The total metered and billed LT sales, is hovering around 40% of the total LT input since mid 90 s and according to APERC the total LT metered sales of CPDCL, even during 2009-10, are less than 50% of the total LT input.

 The unmetered LT consumption is being appropriated under agricultural consumption and the losses by a process of estimation, with the possible intention of keeping the losses low, at the risk of jacking up agricultural consumption.

Way Out

Even after a decade, there does not seem to be much of improvement in the performance of some of the DISCOMS in implementing SSM measures to bring down the losses, wastages, pilferage etc. in the power system. Some of the issues, which need to be given special attention to achieve definite time bound targets, are;

*Reduction of Transmission Losses, which are around more than 4%  since 1990 s   need to be brought down below 3% at the earliest.

*The 100% Metered LT Sales in sectors other than Agricultural Services, is to be  targeted with out any further delay, to practically eliminate commercial losses (10-15%) and for working out the exact technical losses with a view to  improve the LT network  and above all to create accountability on  the part of the field staff of the utilities, 

* Reduction of Distribution Losses, which hover around 15% need to be brought down  to below 10% in a given time frame.

* Agricultural Consumption figures continue to be controversial and arbitrary for over the  last 10 years which are being projected between 25% to 40%, with out any verifiable  data which can stand any scrutiny.

* Agriculture Consumption, even if it is to be given free, should be metered and accounted for, so as to bring in clarity regarding the amount to be subsidized by Govt. and accountability for Losses on the part of DICOMS   

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