The Hindu Business Line : Campaign under way to cut LPG, power consumption

HAVING sleepless nights over reports of a possible hike in LPG prices in the New Year? Don't panic, say officials of the NEDCAP (Non-conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh).

Mr Lingaraj Panigrahi, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the State-owned enterprise, told Business Line that the corporation will distribute a pamphlet with each LPG cylinder from January 1, 2006, giving consumers tips on how to save the gas.

"Gas consumption can be cut by 20 per cent if you use these tips," he said. Incidentally, the corporation kicked off a week-long energy conservation awareness campaign on Wednesday.

Mr Panigrahi said the corporation's similar initiative to save power on lighting gave good results. "We have examined the performance of compact fluorescent lights (CFL) manufactured by different companies and short-listed a few. We bargained with them to offer low prices," he said. Using a 15-watt CFL bulb instead of the regular 60-watt bulb will help consumers save 45 watts of power in an hour. This would mean a saving of 11 units a month.

The products are on sale at the district offices and Aditya Solar Shops, at 30 per cent less than the MRP (maximum retail price). They also carry a guarantee of one year.

Mr Panigrahi said the usage of electronic chokes would further enhance efficiency, resulting in huge savings. The corporation willconduct a massive awareness campaign on reducing power bills next summer.

A unit saved a day by each of the 30 lakh consumers will result in total savings of nine crore units (a saving of Rs 40-Rs 50 crore.) This would also save 12 lakh tonnes of coal. To environmentalists, this means protecting the atmosphere from 18 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide.