Nazmul Likhon, back from Khulna
As the issue of corporate culture receives increased regulatory attention as a foundation of good governance, the managing director of a state-owned power distribution company has suggested integrating the government organizations with the corporate culture to usher in a new era of real development.
“Government organisations have to be integrated with the corporate culture. To this end, West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL) officially started its journey from BPDB in 2005. In the last 15 years, this organization has made great progress. Especially in the last 5 years, along with the development of power distribution system, the quality of customer service has also improved tremendously. This trend is continuing. Being a company, it is now able to function as an independent oragnisation, which has also reduced the complexity of the work,” said Engineer Md ShafiqueUddin, Managing Director of state-owned WZPDCL,in an interview with the Bangladesh Post.
He said earlier, customers were subjected to harassment in getting new electricity connections and paying bills. Besides, if the power supply was disrupted, it would have taken a long time to restore, he added.
Shafique said “Customers no longer have to face these problems. They can now apply for electricity connections and also can pay the electricity bills easily through online from anywhere. All this has been possible due to the plan of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to build a digital Bangladesh. Another problem of the customers was ghost electricity bill. To solve this problem, we have introduced smart prepayment meters. As a result, the customer's complaint about the electricity bill will no longer exist. In addition to stopping the theft of electricity, consumers can also be economical in using electricity.”
“WZPDCL is a marginal organization. From outside Dhaka, we have set an example by forming an electrical manufacturing company jointly with a renowned Chinese company. We have set up a factory to produce smart prepayment meters for first time in the country. We have also plans to produce other electrical equipment in this factory. We are currently using the smart prepaid meters, which we are producing by ourselves,” he added.
When asked about smart grid system Shafique said “If we want to make a smart grid, we have to develop the distribution system. We have already started it. New distribution lines are being constructed through various projects. The old line is being replaced. Sub-stations are being set up in different areas. We hope to modernize our power distribution system by 2023. However, it has already undertaken various projects to create smart grids. One of them is SCADA and GIS system. There are also plans to install the distribution lines underground. When these works are completed, the customers will get the benefit of full smart grid.”
“We hope to be able to bring electricity to everyone's home by 2020. After supplying electricity to all, our job is to ensure uninterrupted and quality electricity service. The implementation of smart grid will ensure this benefit, which is customer’s expectation. People are still in very comfort zone with electricity. Even then, there are few gaps, which will be removed,” he continued.
Shafique further said system loss has decreased significantly. At present our system loss is 8.15. This has been made possible through the development of power systems. Attempts are being made to further reduce this system loss.
He said “We are also working on the expansion of renewable energy. Work on a 3 MW solar power project in Monpura of Bhola district will start soon. The project will provide affordable electricity services to local customers. For this, subsidy will also be given there. Besides, there are plans to set up solar system in various educational institutions. Hopefully this activity will start from next year. Initially we also make a list.”
Regarding the plan for development of skilled human resources, he said, "We have quality training centers for the development of skills of officers and employees. The training program is going on there in the whole year. Besides, electrician trade course has been introduced on the occasion of the ‘MujibBarsho’. This course provides free technical training to local youth. At the end of the training, they are being given certificates and toolboxes with necessary equipment free of cost. By doing this they are able to do electrical wiring and other minor works. This is creating employment opportunities for unemployed people.”
“We have set an example in stopping institutional corruption. We adopt zero tolerance policy in case of corruption. If any allegation of corruption is found against any of our employees, it is investigated and immediate action is taken. Now the number of employees who commit irregularities and corruption in this organization is very few. Especially in the last 5 years there has been a huge improvement in this regard,” he added.
Regarding the complaint of low-voltage electricity in some areas, Shafique said that “There are various reasons for this. The main reason is the long distance power distribution line. To solve this problem, we are setting up grid substation. Many of our areas have not yet had grid substations. It is being built in phases. When this work is completed, the problem of low-voltage in some areas will be eliminated. I hope this work will be completed in the next 2-3 years.”
In addition, West Zone Power Distribution Co. Ltd. was constituted as a electricity distribution company in November 2002. The company is supplying electricity in Khulna Division, Barisal Division and Greater Faridpur comprising of 21 districts and 20 upazilas excluding REB areas.
