Franchise model to check power theft

To check pilferage, the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam has decided to allot four feeders in each operation circle to private parties - RWAs, panchayats and social organisations/groups - known as Feeder Distribution Associates on franchise model.

To check pilferage, the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has decided to allot four feeders in each operation circle to private parties - RWAs, panchayats and social organisations/groups - known as Feeder Distribution Associates (FDAs) on franchise model.

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They will be responsible for distribution and carry out other activities, including billing.

To be launched on a pilot basis, the discom has invited bids from private parties to monitor feeders on short and long-term durations. Initially, the DHBVN will hand over four feeders (two in urban and rural areas each) to FDAs.

In short-term, FDAs will have to maintain the feeder for three years, while it is 10 years in long-term model. A bidder can opt for any model.

The FDAs will also be responsible for bringing down the aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses. The discom plans to bring down losses in the state from 30% to 15% in three years. However, it is 18-20% in Gurgaon.

Chairman and managing director of the Haryana Power Distribution Corporations Devender Singh said feeders would be assigned to FDAs in different schemes. Each scheme will comprise two feeders of 11 KV linked to the one sub-station and supplying power to consumers of same category. Each operation circle will have two schemes - one from rural area and the other from urban area.

"A bidder can bid for as many schemes in more than one circle. For each scheme, an FDA agreement will be signed by the highest bidder. The FDA will be appointed for 10 or three years. Extension will be subject to terms of the agreement," he said.

Singh said the discom expected consistent increase in revenue realisation and considerable reduction in AT&C losses through FDAs. Its outcome will help analyse things at the grassroot level and extension of the scheme to other loss making feeders in a phased manner.