Date:15/12/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/12/15/stories/2002121503531000.htm

National

Shekhawat stresses energy conservation

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI DEC. 14. The Vice-President, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, today stressed the need for energy conservation to its full potential, since this would provide a lasting solution to the problem of power shortage in the country.

Pointing out that the country required about Rs. 8 lakh crores of investment in fresh power generating capacity and accompanying transmission network to meet its power needs by 2012, Mr. Shekhawat said that in view of the scarcity of resources the Government must come out with a comprehensive policy on conservation.

Giving away national energy conservation awards at a function here, the Vice-President said the transmission system also needed to be improved in order to check power theft as well as transmission losses.

As many as 30 industrial units, including the Tata Steel, the BILT, the Jindal Steel and Power, were presented awards for their efforts to conserve energy.

The Union Power Minister, Anant Geete, said the industrial units that participated in the national energy conservation awards scheme 2002 of the Ministry of Power had collectively saved 122 MW, translating into savings of Rs. 594 crores.