HYDERABAD

The Northern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Ltd (TGNPDCL) has rolled out a tech-driven action plan ‘HYPER’ utilising real-time weather updates, to ensure restoration of electricity supply on a war-footing during heavy rains and gales/heavy winds, as part of its proactive move to tackle monsoon-related power supply disruptions.

As part of the HYPER plan, GPRS-enabled emergency restore team (ERT) vehicles have been stationed across all 18 circles and placed all officials and field staff on high alert, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Northern Discom K. Varun Reddy has said.

Acknowledging that the power sector faces severe vulnerability during the monsoon, the CMD stated that TGNPDCL has fortified its infrastructure and adopted the ‘HYPER’ framework combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is designed to minimise power downtime and would serve consumers swiftly.

What is HYPER action framework?

The HYPER action framework would include continuous monitoring and high alertness at the headquarters, pre-positioning of adequate workforce and essential equipment, accurate, real-time data collection and rapid dissemination of breakdown information, strategic deployment of field teams based on ground-level vulnerability, fast-tracked and safe execution of restoration works and prompt resumption of power supply within the stipulated turnaround time.

ERTs to cut down response time

Further, the GPRS-enabled ERTs would minimise response time during breakdowns caused by uprooted trees or snapped lines. The ERT vehicles are fully stocked with crucial repair inventory, he explained, adding that the units integrated with GPRS technology would allow the control room to track locations in real time, enabling the closest team to navigate and reach the breakdown spot instantly.

Predicting potential feeder faults 7 to 21 days in advance

The AI-powered predictive maintenance and drone monitoring has been designed integrating the existing SCADA, GIS and OMS (Outage Management System) platforms. “This advanced integration enables predicting potential feeder faults 7 to 21 days in advance allowing for preventive maintenance, forecasting of power loads accurately to manage supply dynamics seamlessly and utilising drone technology for aerial inspection of power lines and quick damage assessment in inaccessible terrains”, the CMD said.