HCL rolls out IT packages for HP

HCL Infosystems rolled out a project for Himachal Pradesh State Electricity
Board (HPSEB) in Shimla to introduce computerized billing and energy accounting
package (IT package). The data center, call center and payment kiosks of the
project was unveiled by Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister of Himachal
Pradesh, at a function held at the State Secretariat.

There are 10 fully automated sub-divisions of HCL benefiting over 70,000
consumers of Shimla operation circle. Its functions include meter reading,
billing and collection, energy auditing and accounting; MIS, redressal of
consumer grievances, establishment of IT-enabled consumer service centers.

The roll out of this project to extend the services to consumers is expected
to start by April 2009 onwards, covering approx 11 lakh consumers for 122
sub-divisions across the state. A call center was also inaugurated during the
same time.

By dialing a toll free number '1260', consumers of 10 sub-divisions of Shimla
can avail the facility of getting information regarding current energy bill,
previous payment as well as register a complaint/grievance at this toll free
number. Consumers can also view, print and pay their energy bill through payment
kiosk installed at Mall Road, Shimla, either through cash or cheque.

This project will help in effective redressal of consumer complaints,
improvement in response and resolution time of complaints, improvement in
quality of supply through better planning and optimization of the distribution
network, ready status available for consumers at website for new
connection/disconnection/ load reduction/load increase/file movement/new
connection and any other grievance.

In addition, consumers can pay their energy and non-energy bills from
anywhere, either at web portal of HPSEB or at any other sub-division,
irrespective of area of control. Other payment options shall also be available
at Sugam Centers of HP government coming up under Integrated Community Service
Centers or at Community Service Centers up to panchayat level or with any other
third party payment collection methods such as pre-paid mobile cards, gateways
of different banks with credit/debit options or e-banking.

Other benefits to HPSEB from this project are mainly to improve financial
viability, reduce T&D losses, improve customer satisfaction, increase
reliability and quality of power supply, bring transparency and accountability
through computerization and most important self sufficiency. With the
implementation of IT package, the technology framework will be in place and will
ultimately be used for implementing distribution management system/SCADA, the
ultimate goal of HPSEB to achieve self sufficiency.

HPSEB has also initiated process to computerize its balance functions by
implementing an ERP package. Functions proposed to be covered are material
management, project management, HRM including payroll, financial accounting, and
availability based tariff. The ERP system will ensure the availability of online
consistent information across the organization that would facilitate efficient
decision making process. Besides this, the streamlined business process shall
provide consistent business practices across locations and excellent audit trail
of all transactions.