Date:18/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/18/stories/2008011856710400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

KREDL to replace bulbs with CFLs in State

Special Correspondent

The scheme could result in savings of 1,000 MW power

50 million incandescent bulbs to be replaced by agency with low-cost CFLs
Agency will collect only Rs. 15 per CFL from household

Bangalore: In yet another mega energy conservation scheme, the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) has decided to replace incandescent bulbs (ordinary lighting bulbs) in all the houses of Karnataka with energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) as part of the measures to fight power shortage.

KREDL Managing Director B. Shivalingaiah told presspersons that nearly 50 million incandescent bulbs would be replaced under the above scheme. The KREDL was getting ready to invite global tenders to take up the replacement.

Under this scheme, 50 million light bulbs of households would be bought by the implementing agency and be replaced with CFLs by collecting a nominal amount of Rs. 15 per CFL from households.

A good quality CFL costs upwards of Rs. 100. In this scheme, the implementing agency will collect only Rs. 15 per CFL. It will make up the remaining cost by claiming benefits of carbon credits as the project results in savings of energy resources and also contribute to the efforts to maintain a clean environment and reduce emission of green house gases. The exact details of the scheme are being worked out, Dr. Shivalingaiah said.

Mega conservation

The State would save nearly 1,000 MW of power if the scheme is implemented effectively, he said. This kind of a mega conservation drive is expected to come in handy during evening peak powers, he said.

At present, the State uses its hydel resources to generate more power during the peak hours. When the demand for power shoots up beyond availability, load shedding would be enforced to maintain power grid stability. Dr. Shivalingaiah said the huge energy conservation achieved through use of CFLs would result in savings of hydel resources which could be used during the summer months.

Under the proposed scheme, the implementing agency has to replace the problematic CFLs during the guarantee period of six months.

Savings

According to an estimate, each CFL would result in savings of Rs. 17 a month to consumers when compared with ordinary bulbs. BESCOM has already launched Bescom Efficient Lighting Programme (BELP) under which it has entered into an agreement with the manufacturers to provide CFLs at reduced prices to consumers. But the prices of CFLs under the BELP are above Rs. 100.