Dombivli (W), a sub-division of the Kalyan Zone (Kalyan-Vasai-Pen), is in fact the first place in the country where the Distribution Management System (DMS) will be tested. The suburb was selected from among 40 proposals submitted from various parts of the country, including Aurangabad and Kolhapur in the state.

Says Kalyan Zone (Kalyan-Vasai-Pen) Chief Executive Engineer V Dudhgikar: ``We have already begun implementing a software called Financial Energy Management System (FEMS) whichyielded very good results in Dombivli (W). The accounting software, which ascertains whether collection tallies with power generation expenses, was the best for Dombivli (W).''

The project, which is targeted at 1.56 lakh consumers in Dombivli (W), aims to toss out ancient, electro-magnetic meters -- which lend themselves to manipulation -- with static electronic meters fitted with transmitters. This simply means that the current, out-dated meters installed in individual buildings will be replaced by state-of-the-art meters which will record electricity consumption at a central location, from buildings within a 100-metre radius. When the MSEB staff take their readings, they will no longer have to peer at dusty electricity meters in individual buildings. Instead, they will strut around the locality with hand-held recievers that will pick up readings from the centrally-located meters.

The reduced access to individual consumers will immediately stem rampant power theft. Besides, the computer software andchip-based technology will inject accuracy into meter readings. ``The biggest complaint about the MSEB has always been fautly meter readings and huge billing,'' admits Superintindent Engineer, Suhas Pandit. ``Now, there will be very little scope for error as the data collected on the receiver will be directly transferred to our computers in the office,'' he explains.

Adds Executive Engineer Satish Nawathey: ``At present, when meter readings are not taken, an average is computed based on the number of points taken and the consumer is charged accordingly. DMS will address the long-standing complaints that these average bills are always on the higher side.''

For the first time, the MSEB will use remote control technology to disconnect power supply, which is currentlly done manually by isolating a meter. ``WIth DMS, we shall be able to disconnect and reconnect supply with just few computer commands from the office itself,'' Nawathey explains.

DMS will also make it much easier to record and addresscomplaints about power disruption and breakdown thanks to a telephone-operated Integrated Voice Response Service (IVRS). Linked to the computer network, the system will record and process the circle number and proceed to give the consumer an accurate description of the problem which has caused a power breakdown. It will also provide an estimate of the time it will take to redress the problem when the disruption/breakdown is widespread.

Dudhgikar says the biggest advantge is that details on consumption will also be available on the network and can be accessed by consumers over the telephone.

Vital Statistics
Kalyan Zone vs Dombivli (W)
1) Domestic consumers: 9.89 lakh (1.41 lakh)
2) Commercial: 12.9 lakh (13,653)
3) Industrial: 28,499 (1,429)
4) Publlic water works projects: 1,526 (nil)
5) Street lights: 2,718 (nil)
6) Railways: 61 facilities (nil)
7) Irrigation projects: 27,550 (nil).