TN to distribute one crore CFL bulbs

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In a move to conserve energy, state electricity minister Natham R. Viswanathan on Thursday announced that Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) will provide one crore energy-efficient CFL bulbs to consumers to replace conventional bulbs, at the cost of Rs 85 crore. The move is expected to save 250 MW, he said.

Replying to the debate on demands for grants for his department, Mr Viswanathan said that each CFL bulb, which costs Rs 100, would be sold at a subsidised rate of Rs 15.

In continuation with its effort to promote solar energy, the minister said, on a pilot basis, 60 KW generating capacity roof top solar panels would be installed at TNEB’s headquarters.

He said that the chief minister Jayalalithaa would soon release Solar Energy policy.

Besides, he announced that the transmission network would be strengthened at a cost of Rs 1,868.59 crore.

“The 400 KV transmission network will connect the following substations, Tiruvelveli – Kayathar – Karaikudi – Pugalur – Singarapet – Sholinganallur for effectively transmitting the power across the state,” he said, adding that during the year 2012-13, 60 more substations with associated lines, about 2,500 Ckt km of high tension power evacuation lines and link lines and 120 power transformers would be commissioned.

Mr Viswanathan announced that a study would be undertaken to identify the high wind potential locations to set up offshore wind farms in the state.

He also said a central load despatch centre would be set up to utilise the wind energy to its fully generating capacity by the generators, utility and consumer. “This centre will help monitor the wind energy generation,” he said.

In order to clear the problems in applying for new electricity connection, he announced that the consumers could now apply for a new connection through Internet.

He also said that steps would be taken to intimate consumers on billing amount and last date of payment through SMS.