CFLs to save 4,140 mu of power

KOLLAM: The State Budget proposal to replace 1.5 crore incandescent lamps in houses across the State with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will be one of the largest popular initiatives in the region against global warming.

With these lamps reducing power consumption by 4,140 million units (mu) during their lifetime, the 75 lakh domestic consumers can collectively save Rs.1,240 crore from lower power bills at the present energy costs, says D. Shina, electricity finance expert. The lamp-replacement project, implemented through the Energy Management Centre of the State government, is expected to be launched in March. Each consumer can exchange two 60-watt ordinary bulbs for two 14-watt CFLs, which are of equivalent lumens.

The project will result in savings in investment for additional installed generation capacity, with an immediate saving of 690 MW. But if it is assumed that only half the number of the CFLs distributed is switched on simultaneously during peak hours, the saving will be 345 MW.