Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada   

Collectorate goes in for solar lighting

G. Ravikiran

18 per cent of energy saved; power bill comes down

VIJAYAWADA: In an energy audit conducted at the Krishna district collectorate in Machilipatnam, it has been found that up to 18 per cent energy can be saved. The power bill will come down to that extent provided saving measures are initiated.

The Non-conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NEDCAP) has done the audit in tune with the mandate given by the Government of India. The NEDCAP officials have made a list of recommendations for decreasing the power bill of the collectorate through installing solar lighting systems and other appliances.

District Collector Navin Mittal has already given the nod for replacing the existing lights with those working on non-conventional energy. Several measures have been initiated towards realising the maximum potential with regard to energy saving.

Initially, the outer lighting system has been changed on the collectorate premises. Sodium vapour bulbs and metal highlight lamps of 250 watt were changed already. In their place, 12 streetlights of 96 watt provided by NEDCAP have been installed there. The power bill at the collectorate comes to about Rs. 15 lakh per year.

On the working of these energy saving items, Mr. Mittal says: "The lights are very good. We have no complaint so far. The glow is also very bright. It has helped in saving energy significantly."

No complaint

Each sodium vapour costs around Rs. 4,000 and metal highlight Rs. 4,500. The energy saving T-5 street light costs over Rs. 6,100. Though it is costlier than other conventional energy models, solar light is more durable and saves energy efficiently.

NEDCAP district manager K. Srinviasa Rao says that these energy saving lights do not give any complaint for many years.

They are very effective in cutting down costs on energy. Each streetlight unit consists of four to five energy saving tubes. These pieces are finding patronage from offices and organisations.

Mr. Rao says that the Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CLPs) have also proved to be very useful for energy saving in households. There is a growing patronage for these lamps also.

Each CLP lamp soled by NEDCAP costs over Rs. 500. The cost is realised in the first few months, as it consumes much less energy.

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