Faulty transformers can now be reported on Mahavitaran mobile app with a single click

Chandrapur: Complaints about dead or faulty transformers can now be registered with a single click on the Mahavitaran mobile app. Mahavitaran has introduced the facility so that farmers and ordinary power consumers get uninterrupted electricity. Anyone can report a dead or faulty transformer at any location through the app, so that it can be repaired or replaced quickly. Complaints can also be lodged on the Mahavitaran website and through its call centre.

Mahavitaran has arrangements in place across the state to replace faulty transformers. However, it was noticed that news of a transformer failing or shutting down was reaching the utility late. Taking this seriously, Lokesh Chandra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Chairman and Managing Director of Mahavitaran, suggested that people be given a special facility to report faulty transformers through the 'Mahavitaran Mobile App'. The facility is now live on the app.

Mahavitaran has completed geo-location mapping of 9.25 lakh distribution transformers (DTCs) across the state. As a result, anyone can now report a faulty transformer based on location alone. Any mobile user who has downloaded the app can report a dead or faulty transformer at any location. The facility is available in Marathi and English. The app can be downloaded from the Play Store or the Apple Store.

A complaint can be made by logging in with a consumer number or as a guest without logging in. One condition applies: the person must be near the faulty transformer while reporting it. On the app's main page, clicking the 'Register faulty transformer information' box leads to a page asking for a name and a WhatsApp mobile number, if the user is not logged in. Before this, location permission in the app must be 'on' and the phone's location must also be switched on. After the mobile number is entered, the user is asked to generate an OTP, which arrives on WhatsApp.

Once the OTP is verified, a frame appears with a 'Take photo' option for the dead or faulty transformer. Only the photograph of the transformer concerned is to be taken. Below the frame, a map shows the transformer's sketch with latitude and longitude, along with its name and number (DTC number). If there is more than one transformer, the user must click on the faulty one. On clicking 'Submit', the information reaches the engineer and janmitras at the concerned office by mobile message immediately, and the transformer will be inspected. A minor fault will be fixed at once, and if the transformer is damaged it will be replaced immediately. The person who complained will also be told on WhatsApp when the transformer has been repaired or replaced.

Besides the mobile app, complaints can be made through the website and call centre. A complaint or information about a faulty transformer can be given on the Mahavitaran website www.mahadiscom.in, at the concerned office or customer service centre, or on the toll-free numbers 1800212 3435, 1800233 3435, 1912 or 19120, which operate 24 hours. On the website, a complaint about a transformer linked to a consumer number can be registered under 'Register online complaint' in the consumer section. Other complaints, too, can be registered in Marathi and English through the 'Urja Chat Bot' on the website or the Mahavitaran mobile app.