Torrent Power, with a generation capacity of 1647.5 MW (500 MW is operational while 1147.5 MW is under implementation), is one of the most active private sector players in the power sector of Gujarat state. Torrent annually distributes over 10 billion units of power to Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Surat. The company’s new power generation unit with a capacity of 1100 MW is set to be commissioned at Surat. Plans to start two more power plants at Pipavav with 2000 MW capacity each are in the pipeline. The company is also considering setting up a unit at the Dahej SEZ. Jyoti Bandopadhyay, VP-IT, Torrent Power, shares his views about how IT can help a power generation company.

What are the recent IT initiatives taken by Torrent Power?

We are implementing a SAP-enabled ERP environment for the entire organisation. The ERP solution will incorporate certain important modules like ‘industry solution for utility and customer service’ or ISUCCS. The ERP will enable us to serve our customer base comprising 2.25 million customers more efficiently. Our CEO feels that the ERP solution has the potential to become a one-stop solution serving our customers, employees and top management. It will be integrated with our Geographical Information System (GIS) and Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition system (SCADA), which will further enhance our customer service levels.

How do you plan to tackle the change management process?

I think strong methodology is the answer to that. Players like IBM and Accenture, who have an inbuilt strong methodology for change management, can come to our rescue. We will be shortly involving one of them as systems integrator to help us smoothen the ERP implementation.

Are you planning to customise the ERP system?

We have decided against executing any kind of customisation. As the best practices are already built in, the core systems will remain the same. We might do some customisation on the periphery to meet local regulations and laws and to make the solution compatible with our MIS.

How does the GIS help Torrent?

GIS provides satellite images of various locations. While these satellite images provide a broader view; it becomes difficult to precisely locate a particular house or road. Our system digitalises these satellite images with respect to roads, cables, houses and services, which allows us to accurately locate areas with faults. With GIS, we can exactly locate a particular transformer and can decide which sub-station has to be attended in case a problem arises. We have just completed the roll out of this facility at Ahmedabad and Surat and plan to deploy it at our other facilities soon.

How does the SCADA system work?

SCADA is a kind of monitoring and control device, which relays information on distribution equipments placed in a network. A software window in the system helps to continuously monitor and generate signals about any discrepancies. This ensures service quality and continuity of power supply to our customers.

Can the GIS and SCADA system be integrated? If yes, what benefits does this provide?

Yes, they cane be integrated. We have plans to integrate both the systems. Consider a scenario where SCADA generates an alert about the malfunctioning of particular equipment in the network. This alert will be visible in all our call centre windows. From the call centre window, one can click on the GIS and find out exactly where the fault has occurred. Equipped with this information, our service people can then take quick action to correct the malfunction. Thus, integration of SCADA and GIS will help us to serve our customers efficiently and promptly.

How does IT help to keep a check on power loss?

IT systems can provide vital information, which can help to prevent situations leading to power loss. IT helps to identify areas where losses are frequent and can also suggest the key cause for the loss.

What are Torrent Power’s future plans on the IT front?

We have plans to launch a real-time disaster recovery site. It will basically help to avoid any kind of time or data loss while taking back up. Real-time data mapping will take place at the DR server, which will be located in close proximity to the site. In case there is any trouble in the core server, the company can directly and promptly switch over to the near-site DR server without any loss of data.

We shall be the first company in India to undertake real-time synchronisation. The biggest challenge of establishing a real-time DR site is that it has to be connected with a two Gigabyte line and double port system for real-time data back up. A strong enterprise storage system is also a necessity for this kind of set-up, which makes it a costly ball game.