Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 14
The general conference 2019 of the Association of Power Engineers Nagaland (APEN) took place here today at Hotel Japfüwith commissioner & secretary for Power & Information Technology K.D. Vizo as the guest speaker.
Speaking on the occasion, Vizo said that Nagaland state Power Policy 20l8 was brought out recently, which is a roadmap towards improving the power systems in the state.
In few years time we hope to see lot of positive changes in power sector in our state, said Vizo
Stating that there is no end to improvement of services, he called upon the engineers to incorporate the latest state of art technology to improve transmission sector, generation sector, distribution sector and revenue collections.
He also appealed engineers to continue to serve the people with full dedication.
Noting the difficulties being faced by engineers in the field and with recent strengthening of administrative set up of the department, he said the government is trying it best to ensure timely clearance of the matters.
He appealed all senior officers who are about to retire to visit power establishment now and then even after retirement and give their valuable suggestions and inputs “because technical knowledge alone is not sufficient in an essential service.”
Er. Shikato urge engineers to supervise proper execution of work
APEN president Er. Shikato Sema in his presidential address said that apart from the main objectives, APEN has also been taking up issues with the government with respect to the improvement for providing better services to the public.
Engineering is one of the key influences 'that shape our society, contribute and improve the way we live and work, he said that adding that engineers have a responsibility to ensure that we have a positive influence in society.
In Nagaland, he said, power department is responsible for development generation, transmission & distribution of electricity throughout the state.
As a government department, it is required to follow various policies & programmes of the government for infrastructural development, he said.
Referring to project implementation, he called upon the engineers to supervise the proper execution of the work as per the specifications, maintaining the quality, not compromising the scope of work whether executed departmentally or by the contractor.
“The asset/infrastructures so created should be put in operation successfully/efficiently and utilize it to its full potential. If we fail in our duty, then we are not doing justice to our profession,” he said.
On role of engineers on operation and maintenance, Er. Shikato said “Providing power supply to each and every household throughout the state is the sole responsibility of the power department.”
He informed that the power department works 24x7 for delivery of services to the consumers through its maintenance personnel to the best satisfaction of the public.
He said a preventive and predictive maintenance approach to equipment management is critical for operational efficiency.
“We must look for actionable intelligence ahead of failure. Diagnostic tools are available now for early detection of impending equipment / failure. But without that also: for example, if there is an unusual sparking sound in the transformer besides its normal humming sound or if we notice a hotspot in the jumpers/ contact points, then corrective measures in time will prevent the equipment from failure/damages/burnt outs etc, thus saving unplanned equipment downtime and also saving the unexpected cost associated with it. As Engineers, we have a bigger role to play for achieving the overall efficiency of the department,” he said.
He said APEN was founded in the year 1974 and is now 45 years old and ever since it has been growing from strength to strength.
He was optimistic that the Association will grow stronger in the years to come.
Strengthen revenue collection system: Er. Ghukhuyi
Also speaking on the occasion, Er. Ghukhuyi Chishi, Engineer-in-Chief (Power) stressed on the need to strengthen revenue collection system.
He urged upon the meter readers to go to the ground and prepare the bill accordingly.
Er. Chishi also called for streamlining the bill correction system.
He called upon the officers to be in their respective posting place and perform their duties efficiently.
Also delivering short speech, Er. Lanu Toy, (Retd) chief engineer Power Nagaland stressed on the need to provide cheap power, adequate and uninterrupted power supply.
He also felt on the need to focus more on developing hydro electricity project in the state.
Er. Khose Sale, Chief Engineer (D&R) and Er. T.S. Angami, chairman Nagaland Public Service Commission also spoke on the occasion.
Er. Penrithung to head new team of APEN
Meanwhile, APEN has announced new team of office bearers for 2019- 2021 as follows; president - Er. Penrithung Yanthan, vice president- Er. Kahoshe Shohe, general secretary - Er. Litrichem Sangtam, joint secretary- Er. Shiludi Longkumer and Er. Kikruseno, treasurer - Er. V. Kezo and Er. Jonathan Khing as PRO. The executive members include Er. Atoho Jakhalu, Er. Tsiamchi Ndang, Er. Lobosang Jamir, Er. Neiyie Neikha, Er. K. Solomon Sekhose and Er. Rokongutuo Suohu.
