With GPS, discom set to map its power network

Noida: The city power department has launched a GPS mapping survey of the electrical infrastructure across the district to improve power management. “This will enable easy monitoring of power lines,” a Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (PVVNL) official told TOI.The survey — which aims to create a comprehensive digital database across 180 sectors and over 70 notified villages — will provide real-time data on power distribution and load requirements to address speedy fault correction, thefts and issues related to overloading, power department officials said. This measure is expected to mitigate problems associated with system overloading, which has been a key concern for maintaining a stable power supply to consumers.“This transition to a digital platform aims to streamline operations and improve service delivery, ultimately benefiting consumers through enhanced power reliability,” PVVNL superintending engineer (technical) Vivek Kumar Patel said.The mapping process employs advanced GPS technology, ensuring that each pole, transformer, panel box and other infrastructure components are accurately recorded on the district’s digital map.

Each transformer will be assigned a unique code number and plotted onto this system, facilitating a thorough audit of the entire electrical network.The survey aims to be more comprehensive. Chief engineer of the Noida power department Sanjay Kumar Jain said, “The integration of GPS technology into this initiative marks a significant advancement in the management of electrical assets, positioning the district for improved service and better energy management in the future.”The initiative focuses on accurately mapping electrical infrastructure, including substations, transmission lines, transformers, panel boxes and electricity poles etc. It is part of the power department’s broader strategy to digitise and register its assets.GB Nagar’s Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) network includes over 150 substations and more than 24,000 transformers (18,000 transformers placed throughout urban and rural Noida, while 6,000 serve the more rural areas of Greater Noida, Dadri, Jewar, and Dankaur) across the district, serving approximately 4.75 lakh consumers in Noida and Greater Noida.Should any localised issue arise in a particular sector, officials will be able to identify it immediately and dispatch staff, including a rapid response team, to reach the location and rectify the problem, thereby reducing the time taken currently to locate and resolve the fault.Additionally, the initiative is designed to tackle the prevalent issue of electricity theft. For example, in the event of detecting any abnormal increases in power load of any area, officials can pinpoint such localities and identify the theft that may be occurring.