The Hindu : New Delhi News : Delhi Jal Board to cut down on surplus energy consumption

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Sunday, Dec 02, 2007
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Delhi Jal Board to cut down on surplus energy consumption

Smriti Kak Ramachandran

Its plants, pumping stations to become energy-efficient

A month’s deadline given to Chief Engineers to make proposals for technology up-gradation
All poorly functioning equipments that draw more energy to be rectified

NEW DELHI: Having spearheaded several water conservation campaigns, the Delhi Jal Board is now looking inward to assess its energy consumption and how it can save power.

The Board wants to make all its plants, pumping stations and other offices energy-efficient and cut down on all surplus consumption. The Chief Executive of the Board, Arun Mathur, has set a month’s deadline for all Chief Engineers and other officials concerned to put forth proposals for annual maintenance and up-gradation of technology and equipment.

“We already have a study carried out on energy audits and arrived at the consumption and requirement figures at our various water and sewage treatment plants, pumping stations and offices. We have asked the officials to study this report and by the end of December put together an action plan on what they need to do,” he said.

Pointing out that the water treatment and sewage treatment plants cannot be shut down and need a continuous supply of power, Mr. Mathur said: “These installations have a three-phase supply and they are the first priority and have to be provided power at all times. Officials have been asked to gauge what needs to be done to keep them in good running condition.”

“All poorly functioning equipments that draw more energy than required need to be replaced or rectified. We cannot allow any plant to suffer because of inefficiencies, so the department has been asked to conduct a thorough examination of all systems,” he added.

Energy audits and implementation of the suggestions made therein had helped the Jal Board save a whopping Rs.20 crore annually, said Mr. Mathur. “Since these plants are run without a break, we accrue a hefty electricity bill, but with the adoption of correct practices we been able to save a lot of money. The Board pays Rs.300 crore annually as charges for power consumed at various STPs, WTPs, pumping stations,” he added.

Citing the example of South Korea where the technology used is 30 per cent cheaper in terms of energy costs, he said the Board would also in due course look at implementation of technology that is energy-efficient.

“We have to carry out all works in situ as we do not have the option of shutting down the plants. The exercise to assess energy efficiency will also help in certifying that all equipment and machinery are in appropriate condition,” he explained.

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