PANJIM: The state power department, on Monday, decided to withdraw the software used for billing in the capital city after receiving a large number of complaints about “wrong” billing and introduce spot billing system.
Talking informally to a group of reporters, the Power Minister, Mr Aleixo Sequeira said that the order scrapping the software was issued by the chief electrical engineer, Mr Nirmal Braganza earlier in the day and the department of information technology that had made available the software developed by NE Tech, Verna, has been asked to withdraw it and hand back the data of the power consumers in the city.
Mr Sequeira further said that the software was being used as a pilot project in the city to judge its viability and use it state-wide if the system was found “trouble” free.
He also stated that a large number of complaints were received from power consumers about the errors in billing and it was decided to withdraw the software to put an end to repeated complaints of error- ridden billing system.
The Power Minister also stated that the department would go in for spot billing system, which was being implemented in his Loutulim constituency without any problem for the last three months. He said that since fresh tenders have to be called for appointment of contractors to execute the work of spot billing, the power consumers could get their power bills late.
He said that both the systems had problems when they were put to use but the problems in the spot billing system were overcome after about a year, while the billing system used in Panjim since June 2009 was error prone and efforts to rectify it with the management of the vendors did not succeed leading to the department’s decision.
Mr Sequeira also informed that the cess collected on power consumption was being used to lay underground power cables and connecting the sub-stations and also enhancing the capacity of the transformers.
He further said that the departments had collected Rs 250 crore as cess and had approved works to the tune of Rs 300 crore for enhancement of power supply. The Power Minister also said that 37MW power purchased by the state government would start flowing into the state from March 1, thereby easing the power problem.
Our basic infrastructure is faulty , so how does one expect to make the system compatible with the advanced technology using "software" when the hardware that you have is not right? You don't put a Mercedez Benz engine to a Maruti van and drive it !
ReplyDeleteThe Major cause of house hold gadgets breaking down, the need to have additional stabilizers in the house to run each and every gadget is because the power supplied is not supplied in a steady controlled manner. Even the best break dancer will not be able to break his movess as much as our power supply does in Goa.Power fluctuation at any given time is the norm of the day This is the main cause for even the best of systems to break down or turn faulty in operations. Has the Power department ever thought about this? I do hope with the new digital transformers installed things will be better and the people will be able to enjoy un-interrupted and steady power supply.