Saving power in a smart way

FE Team | Published: June 17, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

Of the 7,650 megawatt (MW) power the country now uses, 2,640 MW can be saved, according to a study. One understands, the arithmetic done in case of saving power by using energy-efficient bulbs, fans, motors, refrigerators and air-conditioners is still in the hypothetical terms but its import cannot be dismissed outright. Some of the technologies and equipment are already there for use or application but their prices or installation costs are as yet forbidding. Then there are other concerns relating to business interests of the existing factories as well. Sure enough, light-emitting diodes (LED) bulbs offer a far better alternative to fluorescent and incandescent lamps. Even the introduction of advanced ballasts to tube lights in place of the existing ones can save a significant quantity of power for a household and a large quantity for the nation respectively. Similarly, installation of inverters in compressors of refrigerators and air-conditioners can make a spectacular difference in consumption of electricity at the household, office and national levels.
Most of these facts are more or less known to a sizeable section of the public and the policy-makers and political authorities. Then what does prevent them from going all-out in economising on power consumption? If production of the conventional and energy-inefficient bulbs, ballasts, motors and compressors is stopped and their newer versions capable of saving power are made available, the job is accomplished. But it is easier said than done. A fluorescent bulb is six to seven times cheaper than the LED type even though the later may have a longer span of life. But what counts here is the initial investment. Recognising this fact, the government even devised a programme for free distribution of LED bulbs. But the programme fell flat on account of corruption. True, mass production, sale and use are a key to bringing down the prices of the advanced type of equipment and electrical appliances responsible for saving power. But it is not possible to ban the earlier versions without giving factories enough time for transition to a position of sustainability through adoption of the improved technology. Even new investment in the sector should be encouraged.
However, the success of such an industrial transformation will rest on how fast and conveniently the products can be brought within the range of common people's affordability. One option will be duty exemption of imported materials used for electrical appliances. Even the proposal for zero-tariff will not sound outlandish, if the total investment for production of the 2,640 MW electricity estimated at US$ 6.0 billion is taken into cognizance. Clearly, lowering the prices of smart and efficient electrical appliances through introduction of advanced technology makes sense. The benefits will continue and over time the production units will become sustainable. When they grow in stature and the country's economy gets strengthened, reasonable revenue or value added tax can be realised from this sector. Until that happens, the government should take a pro-active approach to encouraging the production and use of efficient electrical appliances in order to reap their benefits.