CFL lamps to be promoted: Shinde

Pune, Oct 1 (UNI) Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today said the Central Government was in talks with various bulb manufacturers to make available Compact Flurescent Lamps (CFL), known as 'Bachat Lamps', at Rs 25 as part of its drive in developing Demand Side Management (DSM) roadmap for India Mr Shinde told reporters here after the inauguration of a national workshop 'Developing Demand Side Management (DSM) roadmap for India', organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and Maharashtra Energy Development Agency, that the government's efforts were not only about increasing power generation but also conservation through demand management and making available alternate sources of energy like solar at economical rates.

Citing a series of measures taken by the Central Government, the Minister said labelling would begin to promote and mandate energy efficient electronic products and gadgets like refrigerators, air conditioners, pumps, ceiling fans and LPG stoves. Besides, the building codes focussing on use of natural light as far as possible were already enforced since the past four months, and bulk purchase of CFLs was underway. Through these measures, the government aims to have 5 per cent surplus energy by 2012, he said, adding that awareness programmes for students have been undertaken in the past year for energy conservation.

To a query, Mr Shinde said presently the country's power deficit stood at nine per cent. The installed capacity was 1.35 lakh mega watt and by the 11th five year plan around 78,557 MW will be generated, along with attempts to reduce the country's energy intensity by 25 per cent from current levels to achieve a reserve target.

To another query about new power plants in Maharashtra, the Minister said the project in Girih in Sindhudurg could not take off but alternate site at Dighi in Raigarh district has been scrutinised.

''This kind of mega power projects need investments of Rs 16,000 crore, therefore, they have to be thoroughly worked out. Dabhol will start generating additionl 2,150 MW by January next and Maharashtra's deficit will be further reduced from 5,000 MW to around 2,000 MW in a few months,'' he added.

UNI