Q.What are the major initiatives taken by GPTL in this economic slowdown period?

A. Present economic slowdown has made a negligible impact on infrastructure programmes of Govt of India. Mainly effected  businesses are Realty Software, exports, construction, air transport, and other higher end products. Infrastructure development is a basic need of the country and it is a must for enabling people to prosper.  GPTL has implemented backward integration by adding an Alloy Rod Rolling capacity at silvassa for making highest quality Alloy Rods at competitive prices and thus becoming a preferred supplier of AAA Conductors.

Q. What are the reasons for certain utilities still using conventional ACSR conductors inspite of better capital cost, operating cost and longevity offered by AAA conductors ?

A. Yes, Electrical engineers were originally using Copper Conductors which had high conductivity, along with ductility, strength and longevity. When copper became scarce, the next alternative namely E.C.Grade aluminium was chosen which matched very well the conductivity and longevity, but was no match in ductility and strength. The lines made initially using All Aluminium Conductors (AAC) failed prematurely due to poor mechanical strength. Two solutions appeared :

1. Steel cored conductor ACSR and
2. All Aluminium Alloy Conductor (AAAC)

Technology of ACSR was developed by Americans who publicized it, whereas AAAC technology was European in origin and was kept as guarded secret for a long time. ACSR became the first choice in India till Galada (GCCL then/ GPTL now) developed AAAC, a superior conductor indigenously. ACSR manufacturing is simple and literally does not need chemical, metallurgical and other engineering inputs. The plant and machinery for ACSR is much cheaper than that for AAAC. Requirement of technically skilled manpower is minimal in ACSR. Mushroom growth of ACSR manufacturers is a clear indication that AAAC manufacture requires huge capital investment, chemical, metallurgical and other engineering inputs. Transmission and Distribution lines with AAAC offer conductivity, ductility, strength and longevity besides overall economic cost benefits.

Our mental inertia to change appears to be the main reason for sticking to conventional ACSR lines.  Vested interest is also a reason for not switching over from ACSR to AAAC. The country could drastically reduce its Technical Losses in T & D systems if AAAC is standardized. REC and Power grid pioneered the switchover from 1990s but the total switchover is still a far cry. The Country definitely needs that. Just take the example of a most efficient utility namely EDF France, where over 95% of their lines are made using AAA Conductors. What more proof do we need?

Q. Certain utilities prefer ACSR because of the unpleasant experiences with the supplies and suppliers of AAAC ?

A. Yes, True. Most of the so called AAAC manufacturers do not possess the required facilities to make 6201 Aluminium Alloy Rods and AAAC. Many of them take a shortcut of making substandard conductors in the name of AAAC and get it accepted by the utility by questionable means. Such AAA Conductors when used for making T&D lines result in premature failure. The Govt of India is ceased of this problem and hence the “Three Tier Quality Monitoring Scheme” introduced during 11th plan. A lot of expenditure is incurred in weeding out the unscrupulous, industries who book orders for AAAC quoting lowest prices and who supply substandard conductors. It would be simpler to visit and ascertain their credentials for manufacture and supply of AAAC to prescribed Standards.