Gis Applications
So far, you have learnt how GIS can help utilities to obtain snapshots of the locations of substations, lines and cables in relation to their geographical bearings. It could also help plot the locations of consumers along with respect to their feeding networks (starting with the source and ending with the end-user). Because the data are digitised, the use of GIS makes various interactive applications possible. For example, network inventory data could be stored on a computer-aided GIS (Geographical Information System) and it is an effective way of mapping installations; it is also extremely useful for consumer indexing, asset management and engineering analysis.
GIS applications give the requisite managerial inputs for decision making at several levels in a distribution utility. GIS based distribution management system along with varied access of field personnel to centrally located database would give efficient system management. This, in turn, will shorten the billing cycle time and improve finances of the utility. GIS could help to manage complex network information and coupled along with other business process applications it will facilitate the following:
- Energy audit of DTs overlaid on geographical map to identify the categories of customers in that area, i.e., industrial area or slum area.
- The identification of categories of customers in loss pockets that will help the utility in taking measures for preventing distribution losses. Feeder Managers can be made fully responsible and answerable for feeder-wise energy accounting and revenue realization.