After laying emphasis on promotion of LED lighting in different districts across the State, the power utilities are actively considering introduction of provision for third party inspection on the effectiveness of the initiative and the savings in power achieved through the replacement of conventional lighting with LED lights.
The Government has launched the ambitious programme in Guntur, Anantapur, Srikakulam and East Godavari with a target of distribution of 60 lakh LED bulbs, two bulbs to each household at a subsidised price. The distribution process is almost completed in Guntur where 18.5 lakh bulbs had been distributed so far while the authorities could distribute seven lakh bulbs so far in Anantapur.
The distribution in East Godavari district has been kept on hold due to the election code of conduct which is in force for the election to Teachers’ constituency of East and West Godavari districts.
The Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a Government of India organisation, is estimating a saving of 500 MW of energy with deployment of the LED bulbs in place of conventional lighting. The EESL is already funding close to Rs. 500 crore for the demand side management energy efficiency lighting programme.
EESL managing director Saurabh Kumar is learnt to have been particular about knowing the effectiveness of the scheme and expressed willingness to bear the cost incurred on account of the third party inspection which would be conducted through professional bodies.
Sources in the Energy department said that Energy secretary Ajay Jain has decided to depute a team of officials headed by State Energy Conservation Mission chief executive officer to study the impact of the new initiative in Guntur to begin with.
The team would submit its report to the department once the inspection is through and it would subsequently be forwarded to the Government for approval of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for obtaining his approval for third party inspections.
