From switches in different designs, solar heaters to conduits, cables and insulators, the ‘Electrica 2010' exhibition that got under way here on Friday is a one-stop location to those looking for electrical goods.
Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veeraswami inaugurated the three-day exhibition being organised by the Madras Electric Trades Association at Rani Meyyammai Hall, Egmore. He said work is on to set up power plants with generation capacity of 6,576 MW. Of this, 645 MW would be available by this year-end.
On the exhibition's theme, ‘Go Green, Save Energy and Save Earth,' he said traders must focus on research and development to manufacture electrical goods that are environment-friendly.
The exhibition has 112 stalls. Besides products for industrial purposes and major projects, it showcases a fascinating range of products for households. The light switch plates now come in a variety of materials such as glass, wood, metal and stone to match the home décor.
Personal touch
Switches could also be customised and can be even given a personal touch with family pictures in them or cartoon characters. Touch switches and those with provisions for FM radio and MP 3 player are also on display.
Many stalls feature LED and CFL lights. The association's general secretary Chanchalraj Khimsura said the illumination of LED lights is several times more than that of ordinary lights.
About 20,000 people visited the biennial exhibition in 2008 and the business transaction was around Rs.15 crore, he said.
Special economic zone
The association appealed to the minister to establish a special economic zone for electric trades. The value added tax for energy efficient products must be reduced to 4 per cent from 12.5 per cent, they said.
The association's ex-officio member Hukmichand D.Shah said at present, 85 per cent of the products are manufactured in other States. If produced here, it would not only generate employment but also bring down prices.
The exhibition will be open between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
