Srinagar, Oct 29: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (KPDCL) is poised to revolutionize its consumer billing processes by transitioning to a cloud-based platform, marking a significant modernization of the electricity billing system across the region.
According to reports, KPDCL plans to migrate its entire customer base to the Oracle Utilities platform by the end of the year, a move expected to streamline billing operations and enhance service reliability for approximately 12.1 lakh consumers.
This initiative is part of the centrally sponsored Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), with over 80% of the work reportedly completed. The cloud-based platform, known as the Revenue Management System-Unified Billing System (RMS-UBS), is hosted on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), featuring a primary data center in Mumbai and a disaster recovery setup in Hyderabad. This infrastructure aims to offer secure and resilient data management while simplifying billing processes.
In an effort to facilitate a user-friendly transition, KPDCL is set to launch “Bill Sahuliyat Plus,” a new mobile application for both Android and iOS users. Currently in the testing phase, the app promises an upgraded interface that will allow customers to view real-time smart meter data and manage billing tasks conveniently. This initiative aims to bring parity between iOS and Android users, who previously accessed smart meter services through different platforms.
The Unified Billing System (UBS) is equipped with advanced features designed to cater to diverse billing needs, including metered, pre-paid, and dynamic tariffs. Additionally, it supports property management tools for handling cost allocations, fees, and taxes, and integrates seamlessly with KPDCL’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). The system also includes built-in APIs to facilitate integration with existing applications and infrastructure.
One of the notable advantages of the UBS is its analytics-driven approach. With features such as 24×7 support, consolidated billing, and detailed consumption reports, the system aims to minimize discrepancies in billing and enhance data validation for customers, particularly in rural areas where access to accurate billing information has been a challenge.
Despite prior IT initiatives like the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (RAPDRP) Part-A, which introduced computerized billing, only 35% of KPDCL’s consumers have migrated to advanced digital platforms. The RMS-UBS project aims to cover an additional 7.6 lakh consumers, providing a comprehensive upgrade from the current dual-system setup involving Oracle Customer Care and Billing (CC&B) and Power Care.
This project aligns with ongoing efforts such as the IPDS IT Phase-II and the Real-Time Data Acquisition System (RT-DAS), which focus on energy auditing and smart metering. Officials anticipate that these technological advancements will enhance energy management, reduce technical losses, and provide actionable insights into consumption patterns, ultimately improving operational efficiency and service reliability across the valley.
