Reliance Infra forays into IT implementation

Reliance Infrastructure Limited has been empanelled as the Information Technology (IT) Implementation Agency with Power Finance Corporation (PFC), for implementing information technologies in State Electricity Boards (SEB). With this, RInfra became the only Company with the unique recognition of being an IT Consultants (ITC) as well as an IT Implementation Agency (ITIA), marking the company’s foray into IT implementation. Earlier, RInfra had been empanelled as an IT Consultant (ITC). The Union Ministry of Power (MoP), through the PFC had envisioned the adoption of IT initiatives in various SEBs, for which it has allocated Rs.100bn. The SEBs would be initially getting funds out of this allocation as loans and subsequently, on successful completion of the defined objectives, i.e., establishing the baseline data for AT & C losses through the implementation of IT initiatives - the same would be converted into a grant. The SEBs desiring to have allocations out of this funds are expected to undertake IT initiatives as a part of Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (APDRP) and are required to appoint an IT Consultant and IT Implementation Agency, who are empanelled with the PFC. PFC, the nodal agency for releasing funds under APDRP, has identified Systems Integrator (lead for IT Implementation), GIS, Meter Data Acquisition Provider, and Network Service Provider as the four key roles for IT Implementation in SEBs Among all the 85 participating companies, RInfra is the only integrated power utility company that received empanelment as an IT Implementation Agency for all the four roles. The rest of the participants were representing IT sector, Telecom Sector or either of the streams in utility or power sector, i.e. distribution sector, equipment manufacturing, etc. RInfra, with its new status as an empanelled IT Consultant and IT Implementation Agency with PFC and can bid for both IT Consultancy and Implementation for various SEBs as an when they would invite the bids for the same. These bids are likely to be floated from May 2009. Lalit Jalan, CEO & Whole Time Director of Reliance Infrastructure said, “We have been excited on getting both the prestigious recognitions of being IT Consultants and IT Implementation Agency for PFC to make SEBs IT Enabled. This is nothing but the due acknowledgement of what we have already adopted and successfully implemented on our Mumbai & Delhi Distribution business”. He further added, “We are confident that our rich experience and expertise in the field would definitely be of great help to the SEBs and enhance their overall operational performance, efficiency and profitability”. Reliance Infrastructure, in its Mumbai Power Distribution business, has adopted several IT initiatives such as, implementation of SAP, GIS, Knowledge Management System, Equipment Monitoring System (EMS), Distribution Management System (DMS), ISU – CCS, Integrated SCADA, FPI, Automated Meter Reading (AMR), etc. The Company is aiming to become highly techno-savvy and totally IT enabled power utilities in India.