Installation of solar water heaters made mandatory

Bangalore, Nov 25: The Karnataka government has issued a notification, making the installation of solar water heating system mandatory at all domestic, commercial and industrial establishments in the state as an alternate source of energy.

As per the notification, which was issued last week, all the state departments were asked to bring in suitable amendment to their rules and byelaws within two months and issue necessary orders to make the use of solar water heating system mandatory to overcome the acute power shortage, especially during summers.

The replacement of incandescent bulbs with compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL), which were more power efficient, was made compulsory in all the government buildings, corporations and other enterprises in the state.

The government has directed to set up a nodel agency by various departments to oversee its implementation in all district capitals and file a compliance report to Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) within two months.

Besides, the Electricity Supply Companies were strictly instructed to energise only the ISI-certified motor pumpsets, power capacitors and reflex valves for agriculture purpose.

The notification also stated, ''all the new buildings to be constructed in the public and aided sectors will incorporate energy efficient building designs, including the renewable energy technologies with effect from one year from the date of issue of order.'' The power generation was only 5,506 MW against the demand of more than 6,582 MW. To meet the demand, power was bought from neighbouring states.

Besides, the government had invested thousands of crores of rupees to improve power transmission and reduce transmission and distribution losses. Several power projects, including hydel and thermal were also in the pipeline.

The government has also decided to focus on development and application of the renewable energy technologies and energy efficient systems.

UNI