Perturbed by the grim power scenario that has crippled the industrial units in the region, The Andhra Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association, Vijayawada, in collaboration with the Southern Power Distribution Company of AP, is gearing up to launch a massive campaign to educate people on the need to save power.
“We have a mix of people who are either not aware of power-saving modes or they don’t care as long as their individual needs are fulfilled,” rues Muthavarapu Murali Krishna, the chamber president.
Mr. Murali Krishna, who was actively involved in the successful conduct of ‘Save Energy’ drive in city as part of Earth Hour in March last year, is planning a similar campaign to drive home his point.
Most power plants in the region have shut down due to fuel shortage. Local traders are ready to shell out extra money for purchase of power to keep their hearths burning. In a desperate attempt to draw the government’s attention to their woes, the Chamber has written to the Chief Minister, proposing short-term and long-term measures to improve the scenario.
It has printed pamphlets for distribution among people highlighting the urgency of the situation.
“At least 20 per cent of the total power consumed by the domestic sector can be saved without much effort,” he says.
The pamphlet includes elaborate information on which home appliance consumes how much electricity. It urges individuals to avoid adding to the electricity demand in peak hours suggesting that the time schedule for use of appliances like washing machines, geysers, iron box and water pumps be shifted to outside the ‘10 a.m.-to-8 p.m.’ timeframe. ‘Switch Off from the Plug Point”, it warns ‘couch potatoes’ relying on remote control mode, explaining that this is to prevent power wastage through ‘standby mode’.
Turn off the lights when not in use, allow daylight to penetrate the room by using light-coloured loose weave curtains, instead of brightly lighting the entire room, focus the light where you need it.
The Chamber members advise use of compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs, electric chokes in place of conventional copper chokes, iron box with automatic temperature cut-off and replacement of conventional regulators with electronic ones in ceiling fans. They have also given tips on effective use of refrigerators, air conditioners, computers, geyser, microwave ovens and electric stoves.
