It’s a time for a power audit

The electricity tariff revision announced by TNERC is bound to burn the pockets of residents with a bimonthly consumption of above 500 units. Energy consultants say the time is ripe, not just for heavy-use consumers, but for everyone to go in for a power audit of their homes. This process would help figuring out ways to bring down electricity costs by identifying how and where to opt for energy-efficient products.

Subasree Sitharaman, director, Pavithram Energy Solutions, said already, individual house owners have been keen on bringing down energy consumption and the tariff revision would only speed up this process. “It is quite simple — replace power-guzzling old electrical fittings and appliances with energy-efficient ones,” she added.

Experts said that with electricity costs rising, it makes sense for even those who consume less than 500 units — who have been ‘safeguarded’ from the hike by the government’s subsidy — to also go for energy-saving equipments.

S. Harish, CEO, Future Renewable Energy Infrastructure Private Limited, said that installing a rooftop solar plant could be an option for the future considering the cost impact, revamping the entire home by installing energy efficient lights, fans, refrigerators and air-conditioners would be the quickest mode to cut the energy consumption by a minimum of 40 per cent.

For residents who are willing to go the extra mile regardless of the cost, Basil Energetics Private Limited provides a holistic energy solution comprising savings and freedom from power cuts.

R. Ramarathnam, chairman of the company, said the Smart Microgrid Solar System is a technology similar to the rooftop solar plant but the difference lay in installing hybrid appliances including air-conditioners, refrigerators and ceiling fans along with a solar grid controller. He said the solar plant comes with a complete package having a solar panel and electrical appliances that can run both on alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).