Adapting to changing times, KSEB’s ‘Model Section Offices’ to be recast as digitally-capable ‘Smart Section Offices’

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is planning to restructure its ‘Model Section Offices’ as ‘Smart Section Offices’ in order to adapt to the changes taking place in the power sector and the consequent requirements in power supply and services.

The KSEB has formed an 11-member working group headed by the Chief Engineer (Distribution - South) which has been tasked with drafting a proposal on the smart section concept. This concept is to be implemented urgently in Distribution Model Sections, given the need for a “modernised and digitally-capable section structure,” according to the management of the power utility.

With the increasing deployment of smart meters, Geographic Information System-based asset mapping, Centrally-aided Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) projects and the migration of KSEB’s service delivery to online platforms, a modernised and digitally-capable section structure has become essential, the KSEB observed in a December 12 order constituting the working group.

Across Kerala, the KSEB operates more than 750 electrical section offices which interact with the consumers and the general public on a daily basis. The ‘Model Section Office’ concept was first conceived more than 15 years ago, and following a pilot project, it was extended to cover more offices in a phased manner over the years.

But now the model is inadequate to meet the emerging requirements of the sector, the KSEB feels. The smart section concept is being introduced as an upgrade to the model section structure. Implemented 15 years ago, the latter concept is now hobbled by certain shortcomings in a scenario where the Kerala power sector is witnessing “significant growth” in energy demand, consumer base, workload, electric vehicle charging systems and the emergence of ‘solar prosumers,’ the KSEB noted.

“Smart sections enable better handling of advanced technologies, improve administrative and functional efficiency, and meet rising consumer expectations. They are expected to enhance human resource utilisation, reduce losses, minimise billing and metering errors, improve revenue realisation, and strengthen the overall business efficiency of KSEB,” it said.

Under the implementation plan for smart meters in the State, Phase 1 will cover government consumers, high-tension (HT) consumers, and the KSEB’s own system metering. All consumers will be covered in a phased manner.

Apart from studying the concept, the working group has also been tasked with formulating standard operating procedures, recommending an implementation plan and designing a pilot project.