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System-loss Reduction is a Must for Stable Electric Supply

by Saimum Saleh
System loss, the most undesirable and most discussed abput loss tn the energy sector of Bangladesh may have various reasons However, some are discussed here towards proba ble solution of the problem. A remedy to present system-loss problem should be the com mon goal for both the Electricity Authority and the electricity consumers, not accusing each other for the loss.
System losses are of two kinds: 1) Technical loss and 2) Non-technical loss. The technical losses may again be of different kinds, out of which two are important: l)L!ne losses and 2)Losses due to faulty metering. The Non technical losses are also of dif ferent kinds, out of which two are important: 1) Theft of electricity and 2) Wrong information about meter reading.
Line Losses
Line losses are mainly transmission, transformation and distribution system losses. These losses may be minimised by at least periodical checking, maintaining highest possible power factor and lowest possible voltage loss in the whole system.
Outdoor metering (attached to pole/tower) for all types of consumers (Including employees of electricity department) will also decrease distribution loss to some extent, because the total length of service drops for different types of consumers is a considerable amount in comparison with the rest of distribution line length. Besides, the cost, secu -rity and maintenance of the service drops (33KV. 1 1KV and O.4KV) may be borne by the consumers, because distribution line is the last common system for all and each service drop is in the individual interest of the’ consumer concerned. However, metering at the end of service drop (at open space) Just at the entrance of the premises may also be considered for some consumers, if required.
Faulty Metering
Faulty metering is grossly assumed as the main reason of difference between the recorded and the actual energy
flow through a metering point Electrical or mechanical fault In the meter itself and auoci ated circuit elements, wrong calculation of energy by the meter reader, wrong wiring of meter and associated circuits, wrong gear ratio of the meter etc cause faulty metering
Installation of properly calibrated meter, proper CTs and PTs (where applicable), cor rect wiring, periodical check up of meter accuracy, energy recording by trained personnel, etc. are to be done for minimising the possibility of faulty metering.
Manpower demand for this purpose may be met partially by temporary appointment of unlversity/college students during academic vacations and holidays giving them proper training and some remuneration.
Theft/Pilferace of Electricity
The major reason of system-loss In our country is believed to be the theft of electricity. Mainly theft occurs tn two ways — without metering and in the metering system.
Theft without metering occurs when illegal connection is established to take electrical energy from the distribution lines, without energy meter. Proper checking of the distribution lines, imposing high rate of fine and on the spot police action may discourage this unfair means. Theft in the metering system may happen in different ways: Theft Inside and outside meter cover and besides these two, direct con nectlon by-passing the meter is also possible In the present system of consumer metering. In the present system of indoor metering, ample scopes are there to take illegal connections (from any point between meter and service drop) by a legal consumer or by his neighbours to avail of free electricity.
For preventing theft in the metering system, the following measures may be taken: 1) Outdoor type metering (at the starting point or the ending point of service drop) may be introduced. This includes: a) the meter, itself housed In a meter box (raintight and de-partmcntally scaled): b) A ctr
cult breaker of allowable current rating, which ean be operated from outside the meter ing box (just by opening a pad lock) by the consumer, such that, any increase in load above the sanctioned limit puts off the breaker creating inconvenience to the consumer Meter must not be replaced/opened without presence of a respon stblc personnel of the department 2) The potential link should be inside the meter cover, not In the terminal box. Antl-reverse/forward counting register system should be present in all types of consumer meters. 3) The meter wiring must be made correct. 4) Periodical checking for meter correctness and anu-theft measures must be maintained by properly trained and respon sible personnel. To need more manpower requirement, uni-versity/college students may be engaged after required training In exchange of some remuneration during their vacations. (Honest and dedicated service is expected from a student against a small amount of remuneration). However, teams consisting those students may be led by a trained and responsible person from the department.
Wrong Meter Reading
Sometimes intentional unfair means, sometimes lack of training of meter reading personnel and, sometimes, wrong multiplying factor may give rise to wrong meter read-tng/energy recording, for which the following measures may be taken: 1) Sudden visits by responsible officers at metering points. 2) Signature by both the meter reader and the consumer on meter reading in the register with date. 3) Proper training of meter reading personnel. 4) Introduction of punishment for wrong report about energy recording. 5) Use of computer for storage of energy record-ing/informatlon in addition to ledger recording for both urban and rural areas/zones.
Some IVoposals
For improving the present system loss situation, some curatives as proposed below may be given a thought:
1) Ihjbllc motivation against system loss and Its bad Impact on the total economy of the country (neressary advices to the people through TV. Radio and newspaper)
2) Proper and adequate protection by law enforcing agencies to the departmental teams working against system loss
3) Inclusion of young, energetic and fearless student community in fighting systemloss. (Resistance to unfair means by both Influential con sumers and departmental criminals will be easy).
4) Postponement of all new supply connection and extension work in dense system-loss areas, until the ills are cured.
5) Rejection of all proposed ADP programmes in high system-loss areas.
6) Raising secret vigilance teams and co-ordination of Anti-corruption Department with them.
7) Rechecking of self-billtng-system metering by departmental personnel and introduction of high rate fine for delayed payment of monthwise bills If this is not possible, self-btlling-system must be withdrawn.
8) Advising political and government leaders not to promise any electrical extension for any high system-loss area during their public meetings without discussing with electricity department.
9) Maintaining step by step jurisdictional metering to countercheck areawise system-loss for calculation of difference between the energy recorded in all the meters of that area and actual energy consumed by that area. Special squad may be engaged to find out the reasons for any high difference and take remedial measures.
10) After every periodical check, rain protected paper sealing must be used at the metering points while the lead/padlock seal should be also checked.
11) On site meter test equipment must be provided with each meter Inspection team.
12) Motivation of local tn-
fluentlal people to co operate with the Electricity authority (not to create problem) towards proper metering, col-, lection of bills etc.
13) Good remuneration/ awards should be an nounced openly and be given secretly to those who will co operate/gulde the anti theft/anll unfair means/anti-bribe operations.
14) The higher authority of the Electricity department must appreciate anti system-loss efforts and successes of junior officers and staff In deed (nol in words) and must not refrain them from their duties/ efforts under any undue pressure from the defaulter
iMTaw should be enforvvd on workers' union of Electricity departments to refrain them from advocating on behalf of defaulter staff and officers.
16) Proper energy recording and payment of electricity billing (according to departmental laws) must be strictly maintained for the employees of electricity departments.
17) No connection should be given to any consumer without any meter. During absence of meter due to theft, the bill must be made according to maximum connected load or circuit-breaker rating (of that consumer), whichever is higher. This will Increase carefulness of the consumer against meter theft.
18) Proper metering and strict billing system should be maintained for all Govt, semiGovt. autonomous offices and their allied industries and installations. .Government should ensure their co-operation with the Electricity department in this regard.
More Saving Less Loadshedding
For saving electricity and less load-shedding requirement thereof, the following steps may be considered:
1) Imposing very high rate tariff for the peak load hours (by using two-part tariff meter for all consumers) and public motivation in this regard by TV, Radio and newspapers etc.
2) Banning all kinds of •commercial signboard illumination aqd neon signs during peak hours.
3) Imposing special tax for use of electric heaters and air coolers/ conditioners, payable with monthly electricity bills.
4) Power factor correcting capacitor banks may compulsorily be Installed by industry owners, at their expense, according to the load pattern
5| Management body of low voltage distribution system may be ordered not to construct long extension line to connect a few consumers where selling of electricity 1s not economic In comparison to coat of construction and power distribution. (Sometimes Influential persons compel Elec trlcity department to construct long distribution line to connect uneconomic load for their persona] benefit). Specially in rural areas, this sort of extension creates opportunities of electricity pilferage and line loss becomes high.
6) General expansion of power system network should be minimised or stopped when total electricity demand of the country remains more than its total generation.
7) use of emergency power supply/emergency lighting equipment may be encouraged by decreasing tax rates on them (load-shedding will not be unbearable to the consumers using those equipment even if. unfortunately, it occurred).
8) Unfortunately, switches of lights and fans of Govt. semi-Govt and autonomous offices are very often seen to be turned on despite absence of any person using those things. This is a direct misuse of electricity as well as public money. This must be stopped by taking proper measures.
CONCLUSION-. System loss has become a national problem in the Electricity sector, which is exerting threat to our future national economy. Causes of system loss must have to be eliminated for our future existence by endless effort. moral upgradatton and. indeed, love for the country. Electricity department and the consumers must co-operate each other to solve this prob-’ lem for a better and stable supply of electricity through the future.
The wrUor ts an ebvlrical enytneer