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Report on Industrial Training in Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) Ltd.

Technical Report · January 2016

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.12096.79363

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LLV

Sri Lanka Institute Of Information Technology

Report on In-Plant Training

At

Lanka Electricity Company (PVT) Ltd

Name : Liyanage A.D.S

Registered No : EN14523274

Course : BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field of Specialization : Electrical Engineering

Period of Training : 12 Weeks

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I. Abstract
Lanka Electricity Company Private (Ltd) was established in 1983 to overcome certain issues
related to the electricity distribution system of Sri Lanka at that time. Two months of training
was given in Nugegoda branch of the company and the remaining month in Head Office. This
report is on those three months of training as an undergraduate trainee in Lanka Electricity
Company (PVT) Ltd. Overall learning outcomes and training experiences were discuss in this
report. Vast practical and technical knowledge was gain during the training period and
discussed in this report

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II. Acknowledgement
I acquire this opportunity with much pleasure to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of
Lanka Electricity Company (PVT) Ltd. and all the people who have helped me through the
course of my journey in successful completion of this project.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my Company Guide, Mr. A.R. Hettige (Technical
Officer, Engineering Division, Nugegoda Branch, LECO) for his guidance, help and
motivation. I would like to thank all the staff in engineering division of LECO Nugegoda
Branch, Mr. Gunawardhana (Customer Service Manager, Customer Service Center,
Maharagama, and all technical and non-technical staff of Customer Service Center, Mr.
Piyaka Amarasinghe (Electrical Engineer, Engineering Division, Head Office, LECO) for
their guidance and reviews and helpful comments and other staff member of LECO Head
Office

I would like to thank Mr. Kalyanapala (Department Advisor, Department of Electrical and
Computer Engineering, SLIIT) for providing me with this wonderful opportunity to work at
LECO.

I express my thanks to my two colleagues who worked shoulder to shoulder Mr. Shenal
Perara and Mrs. Himasha Fernando for backing me in every difficulty situation faced during
the training period, for their kind co-operation, help and motivation during the period of my
in-plant training internship, and the Lecturers/Instructors of SLIIT to have brought me up to
this standard to have training in a company like this.

I am grateful to my friends who gave me the moral support in my times of difficulties. Last
but not the least I would like to express my special thanks to my family for their continuous
motivation and support

Liyanage A.D.S

EN14523274

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe

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III. Table of Content

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 7
1.1 Vision and Mission of Lanka Electricity Company (PVT) Ltd ........................................ 8
1.1.2 LECO Head Office, Branches and Customer Service Centers ...................................... 9
1.1.2.1 LECO Head Office ..................................................................................................... 9
1.1.2.2 LECO Branch Offices and Customer Service Centers ............................................. 10
1.1.3 Achievements and Performances of LECO ................................................................. 11
1.1.4 LECO Organizational Chart ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2. Training Experience ............................................................................................................. 12
2.1 Training Experience in Lanka Electricity Company (PVT) Ltd .................................... 12
2.2 Computerized Software, Tools and Manuals .................................................................. 12
2.2.1 Computer Software and Tools Used as Trainees in LECOError! Bookmark not
defined.
2.2.1.1 LV Design ................................................................................................................. 12
2.2.1.2 Pronto Management System ..................................................................................... 13
2.2.1.3 GPS and Mapping ..................................................................................................... 13
2.2.1 Manuals Used in LECO ............................................................................................... 16
2.3 LECO, Nugegoda Branch ............................................................................................... 17
2.4 Maharagama Customer Service Center .......................................................................... 25
2.4.1 Equipment and Materials Used in Customer Service Center ...................................... 26
2.5 LECO Head Office ......................................................................................................... 29
2.5.1 Engineering Division ................................................................................................... 29
2.5.2 Operational Division .................................................................................................... 34
2.5.3 Training Center and ANTE LECO Metering Company (PVT) Ltd.Error! Bookmark
not defined.
2.5.3.1 LECO Training Cente ............................................................................................... 34
2.5.3.2 ANTE LECO Metering Company (PVT) Ltd .......................................................... 34
2.5.3.2.1 Meter Testing ......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 37
4. References ............................................................................................................................ 37

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IV. List of Tables

Table 1 : Tariff for 0-60kWh Consumption (30 day period) ................................................... 23

Table 2 : Tariff for above 60kWh Consumption (30 day period) ............................................ 23

Table 3: Meter Testing and Corrections .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

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V. Table of Figures

Figure 1: Organizational Chart of LECO ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 2: LECO Mapping System ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3: Working with GEO-EXPLORER............................................................................. 15
Figure 4: Working with GEO-EXPLORER............................................................................. 15
Figure 5: Hand Drawn Plan for the New ABC Line ................................................................ 20
Figure 6: Hydraulic Crimper .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 7: H-Type Compression Connector .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 8: High Voltage Fuses .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 9: Fuse Switch Disconnector ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 10: CT Unit ................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 11: Three Phase Tester ................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 12: Earth Resistance Tester .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 13: Resistance Tester .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 14: HV Voltmeter Phase Tester .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 15: High Voltage Insulation Tester .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 16: Mobile Transformer................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 17: Meter Testing Instance in ANTE LECO Meter Factory ........................................ 35
Figure 18: Meter Testing Bench .............................................................................................. 36

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1. Introduction
Lanka Electricity Company Private Limited is a Company incorporated in 1983 for the
purpose of electricity distribution in Sri Lanka. The establishment of the company is
cooperated by obtaining assets of local authorities (at that time electricity distribution was
maintained by local authorities) to create a modern, efficient and capable distribution network.
There are few main reasons for the establishment of Lanka Electricity Company,

 In the time of establishment, most of electricity distribution of the country was

controlled by local authorities and due to poor administration principles and policies
of local authorities, required revenues was not collected properly causing a huge loss
for Ceylon Electricity Board (here by Lanka Electricity company will be referred as
LECO), therefore for a proper distribution system was required to overcome the issue.
 Energy loss needed to be minimizing (Energy loss was around 20%).
 Maintenance process of distribution lines was broken due to improper maintaining
methods and uneducated workers (maintenance was carried by local authorities).

Therefore to overcome above issues and to improve the distribution process by reducing
energy loss a new controlling body was established. Lanka Electricity Company is a private
limited liability Company registered under the Companies Act No.17 of Sri Lanka for
Distribution of Electricity. 53 % of Lanka Electricity Company shares were under CEB and
remaining shares were under government thrusts(UDA, Treasury and four local authorities)
therefore Lanka Electricity Board( here by Lanka Electricity Company will be referred as
LECO in this report) can be considered as a government body even though it is considered to
be a private company.

Above mentioned objectives were achieved even above the expectations and company was
able to reduce the energy loss in its distributing areas to around 4 - 5 % from 20%. Statistics
shows that energy loss in CEB controlled area is around 11%, whereas LECO recorded 5%
energy loss, which can be considered as an immense achievement. The company has
throughout attracted foreign funding from the Asian Development Bank and is highly
benefited by the consultancies of utility consultants such as Becca Worely International in
setting up their efficient network.

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1.1 Vision and Mission of Lanka Electricity Company (PVT) Ltd

After the establishment in 1983 company has gain trusted gratitude of its customers due to its
efficient customer services and world class maintenance system and LECO as a utility,
benchmarked very high in the South East Asian region because of its vision and mission
towards a better, efficient and customer friendly distribution system.

 Vision :- Enjoy being the light for lives of people through innovative eco-
friendly business.
 Mission :- To provide the best energy solutions to the society through
continuous innovations

Given below are the key factors that LECO mainly focus to accommodate a service and a
distribution system which is efficient, reliable and eco-friendly. By following efficient
processes related to below factors LECO has been able to make sure that their vision and
mission on top.

 Routine Maintenances

In order to keep an efficient system with minimum faults, LECO carries out routine
maintenance of all transformers, high voltage (11 kV) & low voltage (230V) lines and all the
other equipment of the distribution system.

 Energy Loss Reduction

LECO always gives a major attention to reduction of energy losses in the distribution system.
Reduction of energy losses in the distribution system will help to save significant financial
savings on power generation of the country. It also helps to minimize emissions due to power
generation which is good for the environment. LECO has the benchmark of maintaining the
energy loss around 4-5%. LECO has implemented different methods to reduce energy loss in
their distribution system.

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 Attending Customer Related Problems

Administration and staff of LECO is always committed to support for all types of customer
issues (technical, legal, administrative, etc.) associated with electricity distribution system.
Customers have the provision to access LECO management or relevant staff through
telephone, fax, e-mails, letters or walk through visits. And actions related to these issues are
taken quickly as possible to ensure a friendly customer service as a result LECO have been
able to gain its customers trusted gratitude.

 Providing a Reliable and Safe Electricity Supply

A reliable and safe supply of electricity is a compulsory part in electricity distribution and
LECO have implanted different methods to ensure the safety of their electricity distribution
system as well as their customers all the time. Regular maintenance, introduction of safe and
developed equipment, cutting tree and other obstacles that will do damage to distribution lines,
regular system checkups are among few such implemented safety measures. Further, LECO
is always taking the performance statistics to take detective and preventive actions against
system faults.

1.1.2 LECO Head Office, Branches and Customer Service Centers

1.1.2.1 LECO Head Office

Lanka Electricity Company Head office is situated in No. 411, Galle Road, Colombo 02 and
that is the main administration body of LECO. According to LECO manuals and reports there
are certain activities associated with head office,

 Setting procedures, process and guidelines related to electricity distribution.

 Handling media and its related activities.
 Communicating with PUCSL and other related institute of proper legally reliable
distribution system.
 Tariff analysis, load forecasting.
 Setting administration policies and procedures regarding branch offices and customer
service centers.

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 LECO gets its HV line feeding from CEB owned substations therefore proper
communication is needed to cooperate with CEB therefore all those communications
are handled by head office

1.1.2.2 LECO Branch Offices and Customer Service Centers

LECO operations have been divided in to seven branch offices Nugegoda, Kotte, Kelaniya,
Moratuwa, Galle, Kalutara and Negombo to maintain a proper distribution network which
covers all its electricity distributing areas. Under each branch office there are customer service
centers (CSC) to handle maintenance, breakdowns and other customer related services. Given
below are the activities and operations falling under branch offices

Table 1: Activities Associated with LECO Branch and Customer Service Centers

Branch Offices Customer Service Centers (CSC)

Revenue collection Dealing with new connection applications and

breakdown complains.

Bill printing and distribution to each CSC Issuing electricity bills through revenue
under their authorization. offices and maintaining a monthly record on
total energy consumption

Customer related services (new Attending to breakdowns and system

connections, inquiries, breakdown maintenance (Substations, Line, transformers
complains etc.) etc.)

System rehabilitation and improvements Customer related activities

Maintaining a good communication with

CSCs and customers and reporting
necessary information to Head Office

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1.1.3 Achievements and Performances of LECO

With its short period in electricity distribution sector after establishing in 1983, LECO has
been able to achieve several achievement in distributing sector by maintaining its vision and
mission as stated in above section, give below are few achievement that LECO recorded,

 LECO has been able to reduce its distribution system losses to 4-5% from 20% at the
time of establishment.
 Maintaining a proper voltage level at customer end or at the end point is necessary to
an efficient distribution system, LECO able to keep its voltage level within 236 – 244
V which is less than ±4%.
 LECO won the National Quality Award in 2001, for its efficient and quality
distribution system.
 ANTE LECO Meter Company (PVT) Ltd, a subsidiary company of LECO has
obtained the ISO 9001:2008 and ISO IEC 17025:2005 Certificates for its Quality
service. (Detailed discussion about ANTE LECO Meter Company is discussed later in
this report).
 Establishment of a Training school in Ekala which can accommodate meter testing,
transformer repairing and storing and also accommodate student who are under
training to give a proper training.

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2. Training Experience
2.1 Training Experience in Lanka Electricity Company (PVT) Ltd

The training period was mainly divided into 3 short periods and placed in 3 different
locations.

 First 6 weeks in LECO Nugegoda Branch

 Next 2 weeks in Maharagama Customer Service Center.
 Last 4 weeks in LECO Head Office, Colombo 03

Training received and projects done in each office are discussed later in this report.

2.2 Computerized Software, Tools and Manuals

2.2.1. LV Design

LV design software is used to analysis low voltage transformer and its line losses. Using LV
design, voltage losses were forecast for 5 year ahead and using these date whether a transformer
needed to be replace or not can be distinguished. Few instances where the LV design software
was used are discussed later in this report. Using LV design below parameters can be analysis
for 5 years ahead,

 Voltage Losses and Line losses.

 Load Forecasting.
 Voltage deviation at end point (Voltage should be 240 ±4%).
 Can determine whether a transformer is overloading or not and etc.

During two months training in Nugegoda branch, LV design software was used for transformer
related instances and projects. By the end, a very worthy and wide knowledge was gain
regarding load forecasting and measures taking to minimize voltage and line loss in LECO
distribution system.

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2.2.2 Pronto Management System

Pronto is the main administration and financial software used in LECO in order to maintain
and organize their administration within the company as well as in their distribution system.
Cost estimation related to different projects was done using Pronto. Pronto is connected with
project database which contain all the necessary details related to each projects and also it is
connect with a database which have all the details about LECO raw materials (such as poles,
transformers , ABC lines etc.) therefore it is mainly used in cost estimating purposes. Pronto
was widely used during two months training in branch office for estimate preparations.

2.2.3 GPS and Mapping

LECO database is equipped with a well-developed and advance mapping system which
includes each detail related to its distribution system. A detailed mapping system and a
database are necessary for a properly mannered distribution system. Therefore LECO Head
Office operates a separate mapping division for mapping and its related activities. Mapping
division is responsible for the collection of all necessary data which are related to mapping to
where those data is used in producing understandable maps and database. Give below are few
activities and data the mapping division collects in order to achieve its objectives,

 Collecting Pole Coordinates.

 Collecting data on Span and angle of deviation between two poles.
 Identification of LV and HV line.
 Identification of transformers and its feeders.
 Identification of Primary Substations and transformers which are being fed by those
substations.
 Identification of area boundaries and etc.

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Figure 1 shows a map develop and constructed by LECO mapping division which include all
necessary details about its distribution system.

Figure 1: Map Developed by LECO

As mentioned above in LECO area maps; pole coordinates, span, angle of deviations and etc
are included, and all these details are collected using a GPS system called GEO-EXPLORER.
Using this GPS device position of a pole is collected as coordinates and also this device runs
on window mobile OS where all necessary details of a pole can be include when taking GPS
coordinates. Pole name, pole type, equipment attached to pole (insulators, earthing, auto and
manual enclosures etc.) are among few such collected data. Same process can be applied for
transformer mounted poles and necessary details about the transformer can also be included.
This procedure is used to collect all necessary data for mapping and it is to be noted that staff
related to this activity must visit each place to collect its GPS position and at least 3-4 satellites
must be connected to the GPS device in order to get an accurate position of a pole or
transformer. After collecting each necessary data, data is inputted to a computer where the GPS
data is encored and converted to an AUTOCAD MAPPING data. Software called AUTOCAD
MAP is used for drawing purposes (a LECO customized version of AUTOCAD MAP).

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Figure 2: Working with GEO-EXPLORER

Figure 3: Working with GEO-EXPLORER

Hand on experience was gained on the GEO-EXPLORER and LECO GPS system and mapping
software during the two months training in LECO Nugegoda Branch, Give above is an instance
where the GEO_EXPLORER device been used for collecting data.

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2.2.4 Manuals Used in LECO

For easy and efficient administration, engineering, financial and operational activities LECO
has introduce manuals which include all the necessary details, principles, theories, graphs,
charts and etc. required by each sectors mentioned above. During three months of training (12
weeks) these manuals were widely used to understand the basic operational and engineering
principles and theories related to transformer installation, pole installation, pole selection and
etc. Given below are few manual used in day today activities and projects during training
period,

 Construction Manual

From basic principles/ theories to more advance engineering concepts regarding electricity
distribution were include in this manual. Mostly the details regarding installation,
constructions and repairing were included in this manual and from every engineer in
LECO must have a basic understand about the usage of this manual.

 Cost Manual

This includes all the necessary data and information regarding estimate preparation,
equipment and raw material costs and other necessary information. This is used in parallel
PRONTO, because before preparing an estimate using PRONTO costs needed to be
arrange manually.

 Operation Manual

Operational manual is consist with all the principles and theories related to administration
and operations related with the electricity distribution.

For all the projects and activities these manuals were used in order to find information needed
and LECO staff was helpful in understanding those principles and the usage of the above
manuals

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2.3 LECO, Nugegoda Branch

LECO Nugegoda Branch can be considered as one of the biggest branches controlled by
LECO. Under Nugegoda Branch there are three Customer Service Centers to handle the
distribution activities in three main regions,

 Nugegoda Customer Service Center – Nugegoda Region

 Maharagama Customer Service Center – Maharagama Region.
 Borellesgamuwa Customer Service Center – Borellesgamuwa region

8 weeks of training was given under LECO Nugegoda Branch and an adventurous, interesting
and knowledgeable training was obtained during two weeks of establishment in Maharagama
Customer Service Center. The learning outcome, activities and projects engaged during 8
week (2 weeks in Customer Service Center) are discussed under next heading.

2.3.1 Planning, Costing and Estimate Preparation

Costing and Estimating can be considered as one of the main activity done Nugegoda Branch,
engineering division. Estimations needed to be prepared for most of the cases associated with
the engineering division. New transformer installation, transformer shifting, pole shifting, new
LV or HV line installation, new connections, underground activities are such estimation and
cost related activities observed during the 8 weeks of training period.

Planning was done under Branch Engineer and technical Officer, authorization also done by
Branch Engineers and all the projects are needed to approve by the Branch Manager. Projects
which cost less than Rs 500,000 can be handled by the branch under Branch Manager’s
authorization but if cost is exceeding approved limit, proposed plane, estimates and other
necessary documents needed to be submitted for the authorization of Head Office. If it is
approve then the Branch Manager can give the authorization to continue the project under
Branch Engineer.

After all above procedures followed, a constructors is selected and a copy of the file which
contain all the necessary documents were send to Customer Service Center for releasing
necessary equipment and materials. Constructor is responsible for the construction site but
regular observations were done by Customer Service Centers and Branch Office to make sure
the standards are achieved.

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As discussed in section 2.2.1, Construction was done accordance with the principles, theories
and standards mentioned in Construction Manual. Constructor, CSC and Branch Office must
be aware about the standards mentioned in the Construction Manual because regular
supervising is conducted by the Head Office.

Cost estimations were done accordance with the Cost manual as mention in Section 2.2.1. Cost
manual is consists with all the prices of each and every item and raw materials. And details
explanation can be found on principles used in estimate preparation. According to the Cost
Manual there are four main type of costs associated with the distributing system of LECO,

 Material Cost ( Costs related to the materials of an item, as an example concrete and
other hardening materials are following under MATERIAL COST for a 9m PS pole).
 Labor Cost.
 Construction Cost.
 Over Head Cost.

All above cost categories are categorizes as KITs for make the cost estimation more precious
and user friendly. Each item has its own KIT indexes (MKIT for material cost, LKIT for labor
cost, CKIT for Construction cost and VKIT for overhead costs). Given below is an example
for KIT indexes,

For item : 50 BC (Bundle Conductor) with 9m PS pole

KITS :

 Material Kit : MKIT072A

 Labor Kit : LKIT039
 Construction Kit : CKIT032A
 Variable Cost or Overhead Kit : VKIT018B

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Given below are such unique activities and projects engaged during the placement in Nugegoda
Brach Office.

 Transformer over Loading in Dharmapala Mawatha

A new transformer was planned to be installed in Dharmapala Mawatha due to an overloading

in the existing transformer. LV design was run to the existing transformer and it is concluded
that the voltage loss is greater than 3% in 2020 therefore a new transformer installation was
authorized by LECO Nugegoda Branch Engineer. After a survey done with the technical officer
of Nugegoda Branch, a place to install the new transformer was decided and estimates were
prepare accordance with the authorized plan. Alongside with the new transformer, few poles
were needed to be shifted therefore owners near those poles were notified. Using the Cost
Manual and Pronto Software estimate was prepared and the completed file was submitted to
the Branch Engineer for further analysis.

 ABC Low Voltage (LV) Line Removal in Meegahawatta Road, Nugegoda.

A request was made by the owner of house number 29 (figure 4) saying that a ABC LV line
has been laid over their property and they needed that line to be removed ( Highlighted Line
in figure) and line is measured to be approximately 45m. Instead, a new LV line is planned to
be laid as show in figure. (Red colored line). A survey was done by visiting to the place with
technical officer and observed further rehabilitation around the area. According to the survey,
it is decided that the new supply to be taken from pole NP51/3/3. Therefore a new 9m PS pole
need to be erect as shown in the figure below. (Box marked with blue color cross). Pole
NP51/3/3 is also need to be replaced by a 9m PS pole because pole top load is increasing
because of the new ABC line. According to the survey new line is connect to NP51/3/3 pole
where the supply is feed from AZ0283 transformer. Due to the new connection, load capacity
of transformer AZ0283 can be increases, therefore it is needed to be analysis whether the
transformer can hold the newly adding capacity or whether a new transformer needed to be
place in a load point to hold the newly adding capacity.

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Figure 4: Hand Drawn Plan for the New ABC Line

For this purpose voltage loss forecast for 5 years ahead is taken from LV design software. After
the analysis it is concluded that a after the new connection the transformer AZ0283 is
overloading and its recorded that in 2020 the loss is more than 3%, therefore it is concluded
that a AZ0283 needed to be replaced by a new transformer with a higher capacity. But the area
is highly populated and new residences are being building around making the demand increase
within few months, therefore a proposed was made saying that a new transformer to be installed
in a new load point without replace or removing the existing transformer. With proposed facts
and information, branch engineer authorized the propose idea and estimate preparation was
started under authorized plan. This can be considered as one of the main project directly
engaged during the 8 weeks of training in LECO Nugegoda Branch.

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2.3.2 Other Costing and Estimate Related Activities and Projects.

Give below are few other activities and projects engaged during 8 week establishment in
Nugegoda Branch.

 New Transformer Installation in Isipathana Mawatha, Maharagama

 Pole shifting related to inquiries made by customers.
 Transformer and LV line rehabilitations projects in Parakum Mawatha and
Abberathne Mawatha Nugegoda.
 Other small estimate preparation activities.

Understanding the Cost and estimate preparation principles and familiarizing LV design and
PRONTO can be considered to be one of the best experiences during the 12 weeks of training
period. Different difficulties were come across but the LECO staff was helpful in making us
understand overcome those difficulties. For each mentioned activities and project, few field
visits were done with the technical officer therefore experience and knowledge gained was
immense.

2.3.3 Billing and Tariffs.

During two months training period in LECO Nugegoda branch a very good knowledge was
share about billing systems, bill calculations and tariffs related to energy consumption. We
were able to familiarized,

 The billing system and data base in LECO.

 The process behind the billing and bill distribution.
 Bill calculations and tariffs related to different sectors. (e.g.: domestic, general
purpose and etc.).

Electricity is considered to be a network industry, at the end point of the network, where the
end customer connects to the network is where the payment arises therefore end customer or
the consumer is responsible for the payment for the electricity consumption. However, to bring
electricity to the consumer or the customer a set of extensive related activities needs to carried
out, which comprises of a sequence of nodes inter-connected into a network. As mentioned in
introduction section electricity network is comprises or divided in to three main branches such

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as Generation, transmission and Distribution. Hence all the costs that incurred within the
electricity network need to be accounted for in determining the final price to be paid by the
consumer. Therefore the costs of all electricity network activities were taken into account when
determining the electric tariffs.

Public Utility Commission of Sri Lanka (here by referred as PUCSL) is the governing body in
determining the Tariffs related to energy consumptions in Sri Lanka. By considering above
mentioned facts related to electricity network and electricity demand different tariffs have been
introduced by PUCSL. Given below are the main tariff categories in Sri Lanka,

 Domestic Purpose (These rates were applied for supply of electricity used in domestic
purposes in private residences.).
 Religious and charitable (These rates were applied for religious places as well as for
charitable institutions certified by the Director of Social Services).
 Industrial (Supply of electricity to be used for Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing,
Mining and Quarrying, Manufacturing and etc. are classified under this section. This
category is further divided in to three sections accordance with the energy demand) .
 Hotels (Electricity consumption rates for the Hotels approved by the government. This
category also divided in to three sections accordance with the electricity demand.).
 General Purpose (Electricity supplied for shops, offices, warehouse and etc. There are
three categories in this section as well. ).
 Government (Government departments, schools, hospitals are falling under
government section and there are three separate sections according to electricity
demand.).

LECO Billing System is consists with a customer data base which include all necessary details
of each customer. And the system is consist with the total demand corresponding to each area
and transformers installed under LECO administration. For forecasting purposes of the
company (such as Loss forecast) information were taken from the billing system. Wide
knowledge was gain about billing process and bill calculation using related tariffs.

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Given below is an example for bill calculation related to domestic customers.

Below rates are applied for electricity usage for domestic purposes in private residences.
PUCSL has announced below tariffs effective from 15th September 2014 in line with the
government policy directive on the reduction of electricity tariffs for the domestic.

Table 2 : Tariff for 0-60kWh Consumption (30 day period)

Consumption per Energy Charge (LKR/kWh) Fixed Charge (LKR/month)

month(kWh)

0-30 2.50 30.00

31-60 4.85 60.00

Table 3 : Tariff for above 60kWh Consumption (30 day period)

Consumption per Energy Charge (LKR/kWh) Fixed Charge (LKR/month)

month(kWh)

0-60 7.85

61-90 10.00 90.00

91-120 27.72 480.00

121-180 32.00 480.00

>180 45.00 540.00

Bills were generated automatically from the billing system considering previous balances and
other facts. Revenue collection officer is responsible for the distribution of bills to the
customer. According to the meter reading, revenue collection officer must prepare the bill
accordance with the tariffs, give below is an example for bill calculations,

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 Let’s assume that a meter reading of a domestic supply is 57 units (kWh) for 30 day
period billing cycle , therefore it is clear that the supply is domestic and units are less
than 60 units therefore the rates give in Table 1 are used,

Energy Charge for 0 – 30 units = 30 * 2.50 = Rs 75.00

Energy Charge for 31 – 60 units = 27 * 4.85 = Rs 130.95

And Fixed Charge = Rs 60.00

Therefore Total Energy Charge = Rs 265.95

 Let’s assume that a meter reading of a domestic supply is 80 units (kWh) for 30 day
period billing cycle , therefore it is clear that the supply is domestic and units are greater
than 60 units therefore the rates give in Table 2 are used,

Energy Charge for 0 – 60 units = 60 * 7.85 = Rs 471.00

Energy Charge for 61 – 80 units = 20 * 10.00 = Rs 200.00

And Fixed Charge = Rs 90.00

Therefore Total Energy Charge = Rs 761.00

For 31 and 32 day billing cycle same tariff system is used by altering the energy consumption
per month. (e.g.: 0 – 60 kWh range changes to 0 – 62 kWh in 31 days billing cycle).

For general purpose supplies reading were taken remotely and bill calculation was done by a
computerized system, and most of the time bill is distributed from post. For general purpose
supplies time a day is divided into peak, off peak and day, different tariff rates are applied for
each time period. And also according to the demand per month of a supply, Maximum demand
charge is also include in addition to energy charges and fixed charges.

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2.4 Maharagama Customer Service Center

During the 8 week establishment in Nugegoda Branch, 2 weeks were placed in Maharagama
Customer Service Center to obtain the practical knowledge related with the distribution system.
Customer Service Centers are responsible for,

 HV, LV line maintenance.

 Facilitating new connection.
 Bill distribution
 Attending to break downs and etc.

Given above are few areas where customer service centers should provide its facilities. As
mentioned in section 2.3.2 bill distribution to customers door step is done under Customer
service centers, printed bills were handed over to Head of revenue and accordance with the
area, those printed bills were distributed among Revenue Officer to distribute among their
customers. Head of Revenue Officers is responsible in keeping record on total energy
consumption and monthly or weekly those records were submitted to Head of Customer Service
Center for further analysis and submitting finally monthly report to Nugegoda Branch Office.

Technical staffs under the customer service center must be in alert 24/7 in order to maintain
smooth flow in electricity distribution in its area. According to LECO policies each issues,
faults and customer complains needed to be solved with two days. Meter defects, LV line faults,
new connection and etc. are main customer related problems that the technical staff should
solved and extend their technical support.

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2.4.1 Equipment and Materials Used in Customer Service Center

Very precious knowledge and experiences were gain about technical equipments used by
technical staff in Customer Service Centers. Hands on experiences were gain and technical staff
of Customer Service Center explains every valuable information about tools and equipments
used for breakdowns and other technical activities. Given below are few types of equipment
used during the training period.

 Hydraulic Crimper

Figure 5: Hydraulic Crimper

Used in joining Pre Insulated Joints. Crimp wires and butt connectors properly with this
hydraulic wire crimper. The crimper tool crimps 14 to 0 AWG copper and aluminum
wires using steel crimping dies.

 H Type Compression Connector

Figure 6: H Type Compression Connector

Used to tap damage or broken ABC Lines

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 High Voltage Fuses

Figure 7: High Voltage Fuses

Used in High Voltage Line joining a transformer. Uses to protect the transformer and
other related equipment if faults occur in HV line. There are three parts in this unit such
as cutout body, fuse holder and fuse element. Proper maintenance needed to be carried
out in order to make sure the proper function of the fuse.

 Fuse Switch Disconnector

Figure 8: Fuse Switch Disconnector

Used in Low Voltage side of the transformer, this is used to protect LV line from
faults occurred in the transformer.

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 Current Transformer Unit

Figure 9: Current Transformer Unit

Show in figure is a low voltage CT unit which is used in Low Voltage Line. In Bulk
supplies Current transformer is used to regulate the current and to get the current
readings.

In addition to above mentioned tools, different kind of testers were observed and hand on
experience was gain. Given above is mobile transformer unit used by Maharagama Customer
Service Center to maintain continues flow in electricity supply if a transformer breaks. General
transformer connections are used and lot of knowledge was gained by observing and handling
above mobile transformer

Figure 10: Mobile Transformer

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2.5 LECO Head Office

Last 4 weeks were established in LECO Head Office in Colombo 03, and training period was
divided into two divisions as 2 weeks in Engineering division and remaining weeks in
Operation division to cover operational and engineering aspects of LECO. Huge knowledge
was gain during the training period able to investigate deep in to LECO administration and
detailed idea was obtained about Engineering development in LECO and able to visit to ANTE
LECO Meter Company in Bandaragama and LECO Training Center in Ekala. Detailed
information was given in below chapters

2.5.1 Engineering Division

Engineering division is responsible for all the Engineering system developments, procurement
handling and testing/implementing new eco-friendly and efficient systems related to
electricity distribution. For development process engineering division investigate on more
reliable energy system, less defective metering, eco-friendly electricity distribution methods
and etc. To investigate and development system few key aspects needed to be flow such as
load forecasting, load low analysis and financial aspects of new systems under development
and planning methods to handle future electricity demand. Therefore engineering division is
responsible for all above mentioned tasks.

During 2 weeks in engineering division, knowledge was gain about load forecasting and load
flow analysis. Engineers in engineering division were helpful in sharing their knowledge on
above two topic and few lectures were done by an electrical engineer to open a further
discussion on Load forecasting and load flow analysis.

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2.5.1.1 Load Flow Analysis

Load flow analysis is the most significant and essential approach to investigating problems in
power system operating and planning. Therefore as mentioned under previous topic one of the
most important objectives under engineering division is to follow load flow analysis in order
to find the faults, problem and to find new methods to overcome such issues identified from
load flow analysis.

Load flow analysis is also known as power flow analysis in power engineering. Load flow
analysis usually uses basic scheme such as a one-line diagram and per-unit system, and
focuses on various aspects of AC power parameters, such as voltages, real power and reactive
power. Usually Load flow analysis analyzes the power systems in normal steady-state
operation but in real situation steady state operations are minimal. Therefore analysis is done
taking an overall (Average) value of peaks in each transformer. Load Flow deals directly with
time; therefore time is one of the most important factors that needed to be consider when
taking load flow analysis. For each transformer, peak value is recorded at different times
therefore each peak value should be multiplied by a factor called “Contribution to peak”.
Simultaneously load values near primary substations were taken and all these data is inputted
to software called Power System Simulator for further analysis. In addition to load values,
reactive power, real power and voltage near Primary substations were inputted in order to find
the feeder loadings, voltage drops and losses of the distribution system.

After analysis if there is any issue the system can be simulated again with the available
proposals to overcome those issues. From load forecasting (describe in next topic) transformer
loading is obtained for five years ahead and using those data load flow analysis is done for
five years head and necessary implementations were done in order to improve the distribution
system.

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2.5.1.2 Load Forecasting

Electricity demand forecasting is a central and integral process for planning periodical
operations and facility expansion in the electricity sector. Demand pattern is almost very
complex due to the deregulation of energy markets. Therefore, finding an appropriate
forecasting model for a specific electricity network is not an easy task. Although many
forecasting methods were developed, none can be generalized for all demand patterns.
Therefore an efficient forecasting model needed to be use by identifying the electricity
demand pattern of a distribution system

LECO uses Time Trend Model where 10 year past data were collected and using that data the
system is forecast for 5 years ahead. Load values were plotted against time and linear curve is
obtained and that curve extended for another 5 years ahead. These forecasted values were
taken as inputs for several systems and also theses obtain values were used in Load Flow
Analysis and future demands can be predicted using this method.

2.5.3 PROJECT I: Pole Selection Analysis

During the training in engineering division, a project was given to find a method for an
efficient pole selection method. Pole selection is one of the main activities associated with
Electricity distribution. Accordance with few parameters the most suitable pole must be
selected to hold the tensions, wind pressure and other pole top loads. LECO needed an
analytical way to select the most suitable pole for given conditions. Excel sheet was prepared
where the most suitable pole is selected accordance with the data inputted. A graph is generate
for given data therefore the most suitable pole can be selected. Analysis was done for 11m PS
poles as shown in below figure and formulae found in construction manual was used for the
processes.

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Table 4: Input Data

Above table shows the data inputed to the system and given belowe are the equations and
theories used in the analysis to generate charts.

 Unguyed Pole Formulae

The total bending moment (MT) at ground line in an intermediate pole without guy wires is
given by the equation,

MT = MC + MW + ME kNm ---------------------------------------- (1)

Where,

 MC is bending moment due to tension in the conductors and wind on the conductors.
(kNm)
 MW is bending moment due to wind force on the surface of the pole (kNm)
 ME is bending moment due to the weight of conductors and equipment depending on
their method of support, and by wind forces applied to the surface area of the
equipment supported by the pole. (kNm)

Mc and Mw are calculated as below,

𝑥
𝑀𝑐 = (2𝑛𝑇𝑙𝑎 sin 2 + 𝑙𝑎 𝑛𝑤𝑑𝑠) 𝑘𝑁𝑚 − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − (2)

𝑀𝑤 = (0.35 𝑤𝑏𝐿 )𝑘𝑁𝑚 − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − (3)

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Where,

 n is number of conductors in any horizontal plane

 T is conductor tension (kN)
 la is angle of deviation of conductors above ground (m)
 x is angle of deviation of conductors (degrees)
 w is design wind pressure (0.575 kN/m2 for conductors, 0.865 kN/m2 for poles)
 d is conductor diameter (m)
 s is sum of half spans or half the total adjacent span lengths (m)
 b is breadth (width) of pole exposed to wind (m)
 L is overall length of pole (m)

Analysis was done to find the angle of deviation with varying span, where with a known span
and angle of deviation, the most suitable pole can be selected from the generated chart. All the
calculations were done using Microsoft Excel therefore manual calculations were no included
in this report. Angle of deviation is directly proportional to Mc therefore Mc needed to be
found, using the total moment equation Mt was found. Using input data Mw can be found, by
simplifying all above equation, angle of deviation for different spans were found and using
these values Angle of deviation vs Span graph was generated as shown below.

180.00

160.00

140.00

120.00
11/200
100.00 11/350
Angle of deviation

80.00 11/500

60.00 11/850
11/1200
40.00

20.00

0.00
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
-20.00 Span

Chart 1: Angle of Deviation vs Span

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2.5.4 Operational Division

Operational division is responsible for operational aspects of LECO electricity distribution

system, maintaining the current system and implementing more efficient methods to develop
the current existing system.

2.5.5 LECO Training Center

The Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt.) Limited (LECO) has established a well-equipped
Technical Training Centre with ample land space for conducting field practices of the trainees.
The prime objective of founding a dedicated training center for LECO is due to the fact that
LECO being the Electricity Distribution Utility has recognized and realized the importance of
constant training of its staffs to achieve their duties as customer oriented acceptable services
to its clientele.

LECO Training Center is situated in Ekala, it is equipped with a meter testing labs, transformer
repairing warehouse, transformer stores and training institute for technician and engineers.

2.5.6 ANTE LECO Metering Company (PVT) Ltd

ANTE LECO Metering Company (PVT) Ltd. is located at Bandaragama. It is a subsidiary

company of LECO owing e 70% of the shares and 30% by Ante Meter Company Ltd. of China
and established in 2008 with the annual production capacity of 100 million. ANTE LECO
Metering is the only energy meter manufacturing company in Sri Lanka and is devoted to
supply the total requirement of house hold energy meters to the Ceylon Electricity Board (All
for distributing regions of CEB) and LECO.

The Company also has the potential to provide the following services,

 Single phase and three phase electronic meters and electromechanical meters.
 Smart meters.
 Net metering solutions.
 Providing meter testing and calibration facility with high accuracy.

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As describe in previous chapter, meter testing methods were used to find defective meters and
calibrations were done in order to supply defect less meters to its customers. CEB is the main
customer of ANTE LECO Company and around 5000 electro-mechanical meters were
produce in week.

The Company has a well trained and experienced staff which helped to obtain the ISO
9001:2008 and ISO IEC 17025:2005 Certificates for its Quality service.

At the same time, the products manufactured in ANTE LECO Metering Company (PVT) Ltd
have also been exported to the South Asia and East Africa they have established the long term
cooperation with the countries such as Nepal and Tanzania.

Figure 11: Meter Testing Instance in ANTE LECO Meter Factory

Figure 13 and 14 shows meter testing done for electricity meters in ANTE LECO Meter
factory.

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Figure 12: Meter Testing Bench

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3. Conclusion
Three months of training (12 weeks) were given under expert knowledge where wide range
of knowledge is shared among trainees. Training period was started of 26th of November 2015
extended till 15th of January 2016. This was the first experience in real world engineering
aspects therefore immense knowledge and experience was gained during the training period.
It was a privilege to be an undergraduate trainee in Lanka Electricity Company (PVT) Ltd
because both theoretical and practical aspects and details regarding Electricity distribution
were taught during the 12 weeks of training.

Placements in three different locations helped in widen the overall knowledge regarding
Electricity distribution sector. As trainee during the training got an idea about how to deal
with different kind of working environments and how to adjust our selves’ accordance with
the working environment. During two weeks placement in LECO Maharagama Customer
Service, immense practical knowledge was gain about meters wire methods, procedures
followed for new connections, engineering aspects in transformers and hands on experiences
with different kind of equipments. Every activity during the training period, taught different
lessons on life as well as about the life as an engineer. Years of experiences were obtain during
this short period of training in LECO.

4. References

 www.leco.lk. (n.d.). Retrieved from Lanka Electricity Company (PVT) Ltd:

http://www.leco.lk

 All other information where obtained from LECO manuals and notes written during
training period.

 All images in this report was taken during the training period.

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