Kotathattu Gram Panchayat in Udupi district, has an efficient road network, yet the electricity bill is surprisingly low. This is thanks to its solar energy initiative.
Three years ago, the GP, with 1,034 households, took up a project to use solar lamps across the village. While 210 solar lamps have been installed, Meera R., GP secretary, said another 100 solar lamps will be installed, after which the existing lampposts powered by the Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom) will be dismantled.
“By installing 210 lamps, we are saving power bills to the tune of Rs. 10,000 a month,” she said.
The installation of solar lamps has not been without problems. The batteries of three solar lamps were stolen because they were placed too low. “We have decided to place the batteries higher on the lamp poles to avoid theft. We also plan to use LED bulbs for solar lampposts to increase brightness and save more power,” Ms. Meera said.
