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Lahore:
The power department and the erstwhile WAPDA DISCO are in conflict over the implementation of the Rs 7,300 crore ‘Asset Performance Monitoring System’ project as both sides disagree over its effectiveness.
In a letter sent to distribution companies, the power department directed the power companies to submit PC-1 of the project “Asset Performance Management System (APMS) for 100KVA Universal Distribution Transformers in Distribution Companies” to the board by August 9 for approval.
According to the PC-1 of the power sector, the project will help improve power supply, operational efficiency and modernize the operations and management of distribution companies. In FY22-23, the distribution system lost 19.169 terawatt hours (TWh) or 16.45% of electricity. These high losses have increased the circular debt of the power sector and increased the cost of electricity for consumers.
Under the scheme, 10 distribution companies will install APMS on 87,096 100 KV and 47,317 200 KV transformers, including 23,465 transformers of MEPCO; 25,675 transformers of LESCO; 15,703 transformers of FESCO; 6,123 transformers of IESCO; 6,622 transformers of HESCO; 4,815 transformers of SEPCO; 21,315 transformers of PESCO and others.
According to the plan, circuit breakers will be installed on 135,413 transformers of 10 distribution companies, which will work on GCM technology. A complete network will be set up to control their operation. In case of theft or overloading, the power supply will be disconnected from the transformer. It is estimated that the project will cost about Rs 73 billion, including mark-up. The power department has asked the boards of the distribution companies to get loans from the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank or other international institutions for the project.
According to sources, officials of several discotheques refused to sign working documents of the plan but were later forced to approve it.
Officials of the distribution companies said that installing circuit breakers on transformers by taking loans from international financial institutions was an ineffective plan, adding that APMS was of no use.
The PPMC consultants had allegedly conspired with local manufacturers to come up with the plan, they said, adding that the cost would be borne by the state exchequer. The interest on the project would be paid by the distribution companies and would eventually be passed on to consumers, they added.
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