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Enzen launches its power distribution operation in Orissa

Enzen Global Solutions Pvt Ltd, an energy and environment consulting firm from Bangalore, has signed a distribution arrangement with three distribution companies -  NESCO, SOUTHCO and WESCO in Orissa. The franchisee operation for NESCO and SOUTHCO, starting from the 1^st of April 2008, includes operation and maintenance of the electricity distribution system.

Announcing this before press representatives in Bhubaneswar, Madan Mohan, Chief Executive-Power, Enzen Global said, “The partnership will be for a period of five years. During this period, Enzen Global will not only look at the distribution operation but also at business turn around. This will include bringing in fresh ideas and innovations in management.”

Enzen proposes to focus on changing the perspective of the consumer in Orissa with regard to electricity distribution. This is expected to be achieved through various measures that are consumer friendly and directly address their needs. Thus, measures such as keeping the collection counters open from 8 A.M to 8 P.M, establishing 24 hour customer care centres, cells to address complaints immediately are expected to make the consumer proactive besides making the overall experience of dealing with the utility centre a happy one. This will be implemented retaining existing assets manpower.

“Payments by a satisfied consumer will always be prompt and this in turn would augment revenue”, added Madan Mohan.  “We propose to use this revenue in ensuring better maintenance of the utilities besides providing better quality services. We expect such better maintenance to translate as less outage and less voltage fluctuations. In short, through our more efficient systems and services, we hope to provide a hassle free experience to the consumers,” he added.

“Our partnership with Enzen will be a role model for the country. Certainly the financial viability of the areas being franchised out will improve. This is in line with the initiatives taken by the OERC for improving the distribution efficiency in Orissa,” said Mr B K Sood, Managing Director, NESCO, WESCO and Director, SOUTHCO.

The launch was inaugurated by the Energy Minister of Orissa, Mr S N Patro. Talking during the launch, Mr Patro said, “Power is a critical factor in the growth and development of a State. The State of Orissa has ventures in hydro, thermal and nuclear power projects, apart from generating stations based on non-conventional sources of energy. We have adequate plans on hand to meet the increasing demand for power in the State. In fact, we welcome this ever-increasing demand as it is an indication of economic growth and prosperity. The demand for power in Orissa by the end of the 11th plan is expected to be around 7,100 MW. At present, against this forecasted demand, we are generating around 3,500 MW.”

Enzen Global has previously handled similar franchisee models and partnerships. The Madhya Pradesh Poorv Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company is a notable one which involved an input based distribution franchisee model to operate in Kareli Tehsil of Narsinghpur District. The proactive management techniques introduced here increased billing efficiency from a baseline figure of 48% to 62% with the overall AT & C losses reducing by around 20% within a span of 11 months.

When public distribution of electricity and maintenance of Grids and power substations are in the worst of their state, Enzen Global expects to bring changes in the system through this current franchisee operation with the distribution companies in Orissa.

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