Eastern discom launches CPC to fast track services, curb graft

In a significant push towards digital transformation and eliminating bureaucratic delays, the Visakhapatnam-based Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) has established a Centralised Processing Centre (CPC), the first of its kind in the Telugu States. It is designed to fast-track service delivery and curb corruption in services.

The impact of the new system is already visible. While power connection applications previously took nearly a month to process, the CPC has slashed this timeline to just 24 hours.

The initial phase focuses on the primary economic drivers of the region—agriculture and aquaculture—the Discom’s phased expansion plans aims to bring all categories of power consumers under the CPC umbrella by the end of the present fiscal year.

Currently, the system is being implemented for the LT-5 category (agriculture). Since its inception, nearly 400 new connections have been sanctioned in a single day. A majority of these high-speed approvals were reported from Eluru, West Godavari, Kakinada, and Konaseema districts.

The initiative was spearheaded by APEPDCL chairman and managing director I. Prudhvitej, inspired by a study tour to Gujarat, where the team met with officials from the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) to understand the success of the centralised model.

“ We adopted this model from Gujarat to ensure transparency and efficiency. We plan to extend this system to domestic household connections by end of this financial year. It will allow us to seamlessly handle an average 16,000 new applications we receive monthly, saving time of applicants and removing middleman interference,” Mr. Prudhvitej told The Hindu on Wednesday (January 28).

The CPC acts as the “digital brain” of the Discom, focusing on four primary pillars.

They include Unified Application Processing: A ‘Single Window’ system for new connections, solar rooftop installations, and name changes, reducing delays at the local section level.

Billing Accuracy: Automated checks flag abnormal readings or errors before bills are generated, significantly lowering consumer grievances.

Smart Meter Integration: The centre will manage the massive data influx from the ongoing smart meter rollout under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

Enhanced Transparency: Real-time tracking of every application ensures accountability and eliminates the “middleman” culture.

Boosting Operational Focus: By centralising administrative paperwork, the Discom aims to drastically lower its AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses. Furthermore, the shift allows field staff to move away from clerical tasks and focus entirely on maintenance and ensuring power supply reliability.