The innovative programme launched by the power utilities of Andhra Pradesh in replacing the traditional streetlights in Visakhapatnam in just six weeks with LED lights has received applause from the World Bank.
The programme, initiated after the city was ravaged by Hudhud cyclone, found a mention in the World Bank blog. More than 90,000 LED streetlights were installed in the city in just six weeks as part of the rehabilitation efforts. World Bank senior energy specialist Ashok Sarkar said the corporation’s streetlighting monthly bill before the cyclone was almost US $ 4 million with US $ one million in maintenance cost.
After the LED streetlights were installed, the streetlight bill fell by 45 per cent and light levels improved by 70 per cent, he said adding these benefits were expected to last for another 15-20 years over the estimated life of LED lights. The State government launched the programme as part of the Ujala (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LED lights for All), the zero-subsidy LED lighting programme of the Central government.
The programme was aimed at supplying LED bulbs at affordable cost to consumers eliminating the need for incentives.
