In a major initiative marking the Energy Conservation Week, the Coimbatore Central Prison will replace 1,000 incandescent bulbs with the energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFL).
The move will result in an annual savings of Rs. 14.71 lakh in power bill for the prison.
While the 60W incandescent bulbs consumed nearly 2, 62,800 units annually, costing the prison around Rs. 21, 02,400 per year, at Rs. 8 per unit.
The 18W-CFL will consumer only around 78,840 units, resulting in a cost of Rs. 6, 30,720. There will be savings of more than 1.83 lakh units every year.
Joint effortThis was a joint effort of the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco), the Rotary Clubs of Galaxy, Mid-Town, Texcity, West and Heritage besides Electrical Installation Engineers welfare Association (EIEWA), which represents ‘Grade A’ contractors.
The CFLs were presented during Tangedco’s Energy Conservation Awareness week valedictory held here on Saturday.
Addressing the function, T. Manoharan, Chief Engineer (Coimbatore Region), Tangedco, called for energy conservation measures to be adopted in both the residences and commercial establishments. Energy savings of 10 per cent can be achieved through the use of star-rated electrical and electronic equipment.
“As much as 60 per cent of our power is generated through fossil fuels which, studies show, are fast running out. Energy conservation along with power generation from renewable resources is the way forward as power was vital to meet the future growth and increase the Gross Domestic Product of the country.”
Tamil Nadu, at between 16 and 18 per cent, had among the lowest transmission losses in the country. Coimbatore had around 20 lakh service connections, he said.
Noted speaker K. Gnanasambandan, Superintending Engineer (Metro) K. Gururajan, spoke.
Awareness playAn awareness play on energy conservation was held. An expo of renewable products such as solar panels was also held along with the function.