Open Source in Electric Utilities

Kerala Electricity Board saves mn by using Open Source

Kerala has always been in the forefront with regard to free and open source solutions. In Kerala starting from school students to Government offices, everyone uses Linux. 

The revolution started way back in 2008 with the successful in-house development and implementation of ORUMA(Open Resourced Utility Management Application). ORUMA gave freedom to Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) from the clutches of Microsoft

KSEB serves 11 million customers across the state and has 697 sections for billing. ORUMA works within a client-server architecture and works in real-time providing solutions for new connections, billing, cash collection and accounting of customers. PostgreSQL is used as a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), Debian Linux as the server OS, Ubuntu Linux as the client OS, and PHP as the server-side scripting language for the Web-based front-end. In addition to ORUMA, KSEB has accounting software Saras, a Human Resource Management System (PF and Payroll module); HT and EHT billing software for new connections, billing, collection and accounting; software providing Web-enabled services like e-payment, and the Supply Chain Management System, which handles planning, procurement and store management. Even the KSEB website runs on Joomla, again an open source solution. They are planning to implement GIS also on open source as most of their requirements are simple do not justify costly COTS deployment.

Advantages of FOSS adoption:

1. Economic and technical superiority
2. Saved about Rs 7-8 crore(1.6 mn USD) by implementing open source tools for deployment of various applications
3. No license renewals and version updation, so no expenses in that regard
4. The government has become aware about this recurring expenditure, and supports open source solutions to the maximum extent possible to keep IT expenses down to the minimum.
5. No vendor dependability
6. Free to modify code without fear of legal complications
7. In terms of scalability, PostgreSQL stands at par with industry-known proprietary databases like SQL Server, Oracle and MySQL

 

Developers, GIS Technicians & Surveyors Required

Our Utilities & Survey Div. in Bahrain has multiple openings for qualified Developers, GIS/ CAD Technicians & Surveyors to perform intermediate technical work generating and maintaining engineering (electric and water network) data and drawings. Must be able to work in field and office environment. Candidate must be able to generate engineering drawings related to system mapping, construction standards, or others as needed. Must be able to convert geographic information to digital data to prepare maps and integrate related engineering information. Knowledge of surveying, mapping techniques and principles, tabular and graphic data display, and computers a must. Education and experience equivalent to Degree/Diploma in EE, CE and/or related sciences with CAD or GIS experience. Experience with ArcGIS, AutoCad, GPS, TS equipments, and electric utility operations preferred. Possession of valid driver’s license required.

1. Electric GIS/ CAD Technicians

• responsible for transferring feeder information(cable type and size, feeder connectivity information, phasing, device placement, line and substation layout) and design from survey inputs to GIS.
• responsible for reading wire information (voltage, phasing, primary lines and secondary lines, types of wire used) from planning drawings and transferring it to digital format

2. Water Network GIS/ CAD Technicians

• responsible for transferring mains, valves, service pipes, customer information etc from survey inputs to GIS.

3. ArcFM Developer (Experience on .Net, Oracle, ArcGIS Server & ArcFM)

Apply: ajaysrivast@gmail.com