APSEB

Service in Power Sector

Andhra Pradesh State Electricity Board (APSEB) / ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ రాష్ట్ర విద్యుత్ సంస్థ(4th Aug 1986 - 31st January 1999)

In August 1986 I joined Andhra Pradesh State Electricity Board (APSEB), as Trainee Assistant Engineer after successfully qualified through Written Test & Interview. Probably after a long gap the recruitment was done, many of the qualified were posted, at once, all over the State. It was a great day for me when I received appointment letter from the Board, vide BP MS No.659 dtd. 18-7-1986 in the pay scale of 980-45-1475-50-1725 with usual allowances, because getting a Government job was or even now is not easy.

In those happy moments, I did not bother about my place of posting and was eagerly joined as Trainee Assistant Engineer at Kothagudem Thermal Power Station (KTPS) located at Paloncha (10 KM from Kothagudem town) in Khammam district. The famous Bhadrachalam Rama Temple is not far from Paloncha. It was a very big colony (can say a mini town) attached to the Power House with many families living-in. The entire complex has been divided into different colonies viz. Ash colony, Bombay colony, B-colony, C-colony etc. Apart from this, there exist Old Project Hostel (OPH), New Project Hostel (PH) near the main Administrative Building.

I was re-posted to the control of SE/O&M-C Stn to work in shifts in C-Station vide Memo dtd. 4-8-1986 by CE/KTPS.

For information, the entire power house was consisting of A, B & C stations with C-Station built with advanced technology. For each station, the employees were divided to work in Maintenance as well as Shifts headed by a Superintending Engineer. The shift employees again divided in to batches (1 to 7 per station) to work. The entire power house along with accounts & other wings was administered and controlled by Chief Engineer.

Initially I was reposted to 5th batch by SE/O&M/KTPS-C Stn on 4-8-1986 (my date of joining) but later I was shifted to 6th batch on administrative grounds. My duty was to attend shifts: two days in morning (I) shift; two days in afternoon (II) shift & two days in night (III) shift in a week days. The seventh day would be weekly off.

As the postings were in big number after a long gap, the accommodation was a big problem at KTPS. Many of us were accommodated in OPH which one would imagine how difficult to get adjusted to a different atmosphere at once.

The EE of Civil wing was kind enough to allot a big quarter BE-2 in A-colony vide allotment ltr dtd. 11-8-1986 with-in short time to me as being married. It was an independent house and looked too big to a small family. My family moved in one fine muhurthum.

In the month of June 1987, received a gift from the Board in the form of revision of Pay scales for AEs vide B P Ms No. 654 dtd 3-6-1987 from the existing to 1650-70-2210-80-3010. In respect of AEs who were recruited after 31-12-1983 & before 31-3-1987 a two notional increments were ordered. Wah.. great news. Further, vide B P Ms No.999 dtd 9-11-1987, I was appointed (along with about 37 others) as Assistant Engineer (from Trainee Assistant Engineer) wef 4-8-1987. Again great news. However, as expected, there was no change in place of working.

New appointment, new place, new residence, new friends, new living conditions !! Why not a new TV for entertainment!!? Probably - BPL Company might have same idea in their minds too.. they had come forward with installment offer especially for all KTPS employees.

Without any second thought, we readily accepted their offer and got a new color BPL TV on monthly installment for Rs.300 on repayment for 3 years. Though Rs.300 was a big amount those days - the TV looked more dearer than the amount spent.

With the big BPL's offer, many of KTPS employees purchased BPL TVs. After that, for many days, the talk of the colony was about the TVs and the picture quality. The main topic was on what length of antenna used & how the quality of signal strength, whether channel's coming with clarity or not etc.

In A-colony the signals, we received, were poor while they were good for Bombay colony (having multi-storeyed buildings). We got to install a 30 ft long Antenna for the TV with 4 to 5 stray wires around it for balancing since the higher the receiver the more the strength of TV Signal. Even at 30-ft height, the signals strength was not good enough to watch the one and only DD channel at that time.

Assistant Engineer / Shift - Nature of Work

Coming back to work, I had been assigned to look after the Boiler Auxiliaries (BA) in C-Station. Daily I had to inspect BA area (minimum twice in a shift) and check the condition of the equipment duly entering their status in a log sheet/book. The logged status had to be handed over to the next in-charge (of BA) of the other batch. Apart from BA, the other subjects looked after by the batch mates are : Furnace Safeguard Supervisery System (FSSS), Turbine, Turbine Auxiliaries, Drum, Ash Handling Plant, Generator.

As long as there's normal Coal flow in to the Boiler furnace; boiler drum's maintained at steady water level and there was no grid disturbance, it would be very good time for the shift people to relax and enjoy the normal working condition. Otherwise, in case if any interruption in the coal flow and no remedial action (like immediate switch-over to Oil firing) taken, it would lead to a serious consequence and there's every possibility of tripping of the Unit (on Furnace draft Low/High). Or else, in case of trouble with Boiler Feed Pump and due to which the drum levels go erratic, it would lead to tripping of the unit (on Drum level Low condition). These TWO were the important parameters which would need utmost care and one should be more cautious to ensure them always to be at normal values. Any negligence would lead to unforeseen damages.

In my first year service at KTPS, the time went off happily. I was blessed with my first daughter (Rithika) in the month of March, 1987. My pay scales were revised and also I was appointed as AE. I continued to work in same shifts without much change in nature of work.

Besides a totally new experience of my life at KTPS, a new favourite thing was added in my life i.e. a new Yamaha bike (model: RX-100). I had obtained permission to study MTech, a PTPG course in Mining Machinery (Osmania University) at Kothagudem from September 1988 vide Memo dtd 5-9-1988 from CE/KTPS. I joined (along with few other colleagues) MTech with specialization in Mining Machinery at Kothagudem Scool of Mines, a few KMs away from the KTPS Colony.

Departmental Tests

Accounts Test

Board's departmental Test (Accounts Test) was held for two days on 15-12-1988 & 16-12-1988 at Vijayawada & Warangal Centres. I appeared for the Test at Warangal (Regd. No.439). The results were declared vide DM2/ PS/TDE /1341 /88-32 Dtd.1-2-1989 and good to know that I cleared the Test.

Language Test

I was exempted from passing Language test in Telugu (based on SSC Certificate) vide Memo No. DM IV/44-I3/39-16 Dtd. -4-1989 duly endorsed by CE/KTPS vide Endt.No: CE/KTPS/AD5/872 dtd. 9-6-1989.

Regularisation of Service / Commencement of Probation

My Services being Assistant Engineer, appointed vide B P Ms No.659, were regularized and are placed under Probation for total period of two years on duty wef 12-4-1989 under APSEB service regulations. Orders were issued vide BP Ms No.1131 dtd.25-10-1989.

EE /Civil had done another favor on request. I had been allotted Quarter BE-310 in Bombay Colony vide allotment letter no. 210/89 dtd. 20-11-1989. Subsequently I shifted from A-Colony to Bombay Colony.

Internal Transfer from Shift to Maintenance & Back to Shift in a Short Time.

I was given Transfer Order by SE , transferring from AE/Shift/VI Batch to AE/EM/220 KV Station Switch gear maintenance vide letter dtd 8-8-1990. This looked a big relief for me from odd shift working hours. In maintenance, we had to follow general timings from 9 AM to 6 PM in case no emergencies.

But due to internal adjustments, in a 2 months, I had been transferred back to Shift but not to the original 6th Batch vide Memo dtd 15-10-1990. It was 1st batch I had been transferred to. This was probably to do a favour to incumbant, who was working in 1st batch and went on leave for 10 days. Never mind - all iz well.

Within few days of working in 1st batch I found some good and some bad. Good thing was - one of the batch mates Mr K Maheshwar Rao became a very good friend of me. Of course, others were also good at heart. The bad was: the terms between the entire batch (can say Engineer community) & the Shift in-charge were not good. Many including me felt inconvenience to work under him. Must be the incumbant, who relieved me from Maintenance too faced rough weather with this shift in-charge and therefore, got rid off him using some influence.

Finally, the good day had come to me too. Vide Memo dtd 18-4-1991, I had been moved to III Batch. It was a great relief to me.

Declaration of Completion of Probation

Memo No.DP/DM VIII/165-Y2 1/91 Dtd 13-11-1991

Under Regulation 28 (b) of the APSEB Service Regulations Part.II, the AEs (Elec) and (Telcom) who were placed on probation in the B Ps 813 (22-10-1982), 1097 (2-12-1988) & 1131(25-10-1989) for a total period of 2 years on duty within a continuous period of 3 years (from their respective dates of commencement of Probation) were declared to have satisfactorily completed the prescribed period of Probation.

Vide the above Order, my Probation period was declared to have been completed by me w.e.f. 12-4-1989 to 20-5-1991.

Inter Circle Tennis Tournament

Computer Training on Advanced Lotus 1-2-3

Transfer from KTPS to Vidyut Soudha

Memo No. DM(Ser)/410-M(a)/1/92-1 dtd. 13-7-1993 (Transfer Order)

Memo No. CE/TPC-II/ADE(T)/Estt/69/93 dTD. 17-7-1993 (Re-posting Order)

Finally I had Transfer from KTPS to Vidyut Soudha after almost a 7 years of Service at Power Station. All the seven (7) years I worked in Shifts except for short period of 2 months in EM division. I gained extensive knowledge by working different Panels in Control units of C-Station viz. FSSS Panel, Turbine Auxiliaries, Generator apart from Boiler Auxiliaries. I had to say good-bye to a wonderful place of living with the above Board's Order.

Service at Vidyut Soudha From 7-10-1993

My new place of working had begun at Vidyut Soudha assuming charge as Assistant Engineer in EME-2 division in the office of Superintending Engineer/Thermal-III ( of CE/TPC-II) with effect from 7th Oct 1993. I was very fortunate to work under the control of Sri K Suryanarayana Murthy (KSN Murthy) garu, very kind at heart and talented at work. There were other good people too viz. Sri Dwarakawasa Setty, Sri Sudhakar, Sri Narsingha Bhanu, Sri Ramachary (in the division) where I was lucky enough to work along with as a family. I learnt so many things from Sri K S N Murthy garu starting from the drafting to how to work to please a boss, how to deal with Contractors etc. He stood as a good guide to me in all aspects (including personal matters).

Advance Increments for PG Qualification in Engineering

Memo No.DP/DM(Ser)/44/M3/94-31 dtd. 30-7-1994

For having acquired PG in Engineering during October, 1993 (i.e. MTech) with specialization in Mining Machinery/Osmania University, I was sanctioned two advance increments amounting to Rs 230/- (2 x 115) in scale of pay 2410-100-3110-115-4375 from 2-10-1993 which was treated as Personal Pay (PGI). With this my pay fixed as on 2-10-1993 was Rs.3685 + Rs.230/ (PGI).

Inter-circle Chess Tournaments

Lr No. VSRC/IGS/CHESS/D No. 3/94 dtd 6-8-1994

Inter Circle Chess Tournaments were conducted by SE /Telecom Circle Hyderabad. I was nominated as a player by Sports Council of Vidyut Soudha Recreation Club (VSRC). It was good opportunity to play Chess in Tournaments. Though first two games I won, in the third game I was on loosing side. Whatever, it was great time to be part of it.

Medical Reimbursement

Computer Training on MS-Windows

Revision of Pay Scales in 1994

Merger of TPC-1 and TPC-II

Appointment to SGP (Special Grade Post)

Memo No. DS(Reg)/DM.VI/395/Z/III(1)/95 Dtd. 13-11-1995.

As per Regulation par-I(A) relating to appointment BP no. 357 dtd. 12-12-1994, an employee who has completed 8 years of service which counts for increments in the scales of pay of the post held by him was eligible for appointment to SGP. As I have completed 8 years of service which counts for increments, I was appointed to Special Grade Post in the scale of pay of Rs.4300-170-5320-200-7120 with effect from 4-8-1995. Accordingly Pay fixed in SGP scale at Rs.6520/- + Rs.230 (PGI) (Vide Memo No. FA&CCA/Pay Officer/60-M3/96-12 Dt. 18-4-1996.

Temporary Re-organization of TPC Wing / Diversion of Certain Posts To Other wings

B P (P&G-Per)Ms No.54 dt. 12-6-1996

Bd's M No.DP/DM1/A2/479/96-1 dt. 16-6-96

Memo No. DP/DM1/A2/844/96-1 Dtd 1-10-1996.

The Chairman /APSEB reviewed the works and staff pattern of TPC and instructed to reduce the staff to the minimum for looking after works at KTPS V and balance works at VTPS/RTPP. Further, it was felt necessary to provide additional staff on diversion to CE/Gas Stations for looking after the works of GTS extension Project and to Strengthen DPE, Assessments, Generation & IPC wings.

In the above process of re-organization, I was diverted to DPE wing at Vidyut Soudha to work under the control of SE/DPE/Hyderabad.

DPE (Detection of Pilferage of Energy) Wing

Memo No. CPP/ADE(T)/F.Estt./ 155/96 dtd. 5-10-1996.

Under re-organization of TPC wing, I was transferred to work under the Control of SE/DPE/Hyderabad, having a totally different nature of work. The work was basically field related and involved the inspection of various Consumer's premises (mainly domestic or non-domestic or industrial in nature), either at a pre-scheduled basis or randomly selected for any types of mal-practice(s) or Pilferage of Energy, the consumer was indulging-in.

The DPE formed in teams (with minimum two persons in each team) and each team constituting Board's officers authorized to enter up on consumers' premises, at any time, and check the installations where there would be scope for suspecting that Consumer was guilty of any Malpractice in respect of use of Energy or was using the devices to commit the pilferage of energy.

The Malpractice(s) were generally categorized into :

(i) Restoration of Supply from Board's disconnected Service

(ii) Extension of Supply to a Board's disconnected Service

(iii) Non-compliance of Orders imposing restriction on use of Electricty during peak load hours

(iv) Use of Electricity for the purpose other than that for which Supply was given by the Board.

(v) Resale of Energy without permission of the Board.

Pilferage of Energy is defined as "Pilfering energy with or without the aid of any device including the consumption of energy which is not metered and conduct, preventing the correct recording by the meter of the consumption of Electricity".

If any Consumer, found indulging in such malpractice(s) or Pilferage of Energy, a report would be submitted by the concerned Inspecting Officer immediately to the concerned field officer (Operation wing) under jurisdiction of which the consumer's premises belong. Subsequently, the Consumer would be served a Provisional Assessment Notice by the filed officer to pay the amount equivalent to the loss sustained by the Board due to malpractice/pilferage with penalty. If the loss was too high or repetitive in nature, a criminal case would also be booked against the Consumer as per the prescribed rules/regulations framed in the Gazette released by Government from time to time. (For the latest rules/regulations in this regard the Website of concerned Distribution Company can be referred).

Promotion To Assistant Divisional Engineer/ Elec.

B.P.(P&G Per) Rt.272 Dated. 20-12-1996.

I was given Promotion Orders to Assistant Divisional Engineer (ADE)/Elec. vide above reference which probably the first mile stone in my career. Those were the great moments in my life and my happiness at that time, one could not express in words. With the above Promotion, I was posted back to the same wing & the same division. The only change was increased responsibilities. I was relieved of my duties as Asst.Engineer/DPE/Hyderabad on 31-12-1996 AN and assumed charge as ADE/DPE-IV/Hyderabad w.e.f 1-1-1997 FN. My new year 1997 had begun with new Post and new responsibilities.

Consequent to the promotion, I was entitled to draw the pay Rs.6950/ + Rs.230 (PGI) w.e.f 1-1-1997 in the pay scale of 4930-170-5950-200-7950.

Intensive DPE Inspections at Siddipeta, Kurnool, Nellore, Gandipet, Narsapur, Toofran in the moths of October/November 1997

As a part of Intensive Inspection program our team along with other DPE teams travelled to Siddipeta (Medak district) on 6-10-1997 and then travelled to other districts via Kurnool to Nellore district from 22-10-21997 to 29-10-1997 with one day Stay at Kurnool and two days stay at Nellore in between. Surprisingly, did not find any kind of malpractices or pilferage.

In November, travelled to Mamidipally (20-11-97), Gandipeta (22-11-97), Narsapur (25-11-97), Koudipally (26-11-97) & Toofran (29-11-97) during the night hours between 20.00 hours to 23.30 hours. The main intention was to create awareness among the public that for checking any malpractices/pilferage, the department would be all time on alert and would not spare anyone in case of any malpractice/pilferage at any point of time.

Revision of Pay Scales

B P (P&G-Per) Ms No. 256 Dt. 5-1-1999

The Scales of pay of other than workmen were revised with effect from 1-7-1998 in the above B.P. Accordingly, the Scale of Pay for Assistant Engineer category revised to Rs.7250-300-7850-350-9600-400-11200 with master scale as 3350-150-1100-200-5100-250-6350-300-7850-350-9600-400-11600-400-11600-450-13850-500-16350-550-19100-600-22100. With the result, my pay as on 1-7-98 (the date of increment as opted) was Rs.12950 + 230 (PGI) and by inc as on 1-1-1999 it was Rs.12950 + 450(1/4) stg + 230 (PGI).

Formation of APTransco

Formation of Distribution Companies with effect from 1-4-2000

In GO Ms No.31 dtd. 27-3-2000, the Government of Andhra Pradesh had accorded approval for constitution of Four Distribution Companies. In GO Ms 35, dtd 31-3-2000, the govt of AP had notified the second transfer scheme for giving effect to the transfer of distribution undertakings of APTransco to these 4 Distribution companies. Accordingly the Distribution Companies (Discoms) had been formed with HQs at APDISCOM-I (Vishakapatnam), APDISCOM-II (Tirupathi), APDISCOM-III (Hyderabad) and APDISCOM-IV (Warangal) and started functioning from 1-4-2000.

Accordingly the DPE divisions in the operation circles should report to the Superintending Engineer/DPEs of the respective Discoms. Due to this I was re-designated to ADE-II(DPE-Central) to work under the control of DE/DPE/Hyderabad Central.

I continued to work with same spirit and booked several cases and added revenue up to one Crore to the Department on my part as on that date.