Modi appreciates AP Govt's LED programme

Hyderabad, June 24 (INN): In a significant development towards the effective implementation of Energy Efficiency activities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wholeheartedly appreciated the sustained efforts of the Government of AP in realizing Energy savings through DELP & LED Street Lights which has yielded fruitful results.

During video conference, on review of PRAGATI (Proactive Governance and timely implementation) Programme with all the Chief Secretaries of the States, held today, the Prime Minister enquired about 'why everybody is speaking high about the AP in energy conservation front'. In response Pradeep Kumar Pujari, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India has appraised the PM about the significant initiatives taken up by APSECM, Govt of AP in coordination with Key Departments in promoting LED based lighting systems in Domestic and Street Lighting sectors and informed that AP has already distributed 55 Lakh LED Bulbs in domestic sector and installed about 1 Lakh LED street lights, so far. Pujari further said that AP is far ahead from other states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, UP, etc.,

After briefing of Pujari and AP Chief Secretary IYR Krishna Rao, the PM said that well done ' keep it up. Energy Efficiency and Energy conservation activities are the need of the hour for the nation both economic development and environmental protection to protect interest of even Future generations.

Participating in the video conference on PRAGATI review, the Chief Secretary said that, several international agencies such as International Energy Agency (IEA) and World Bank etc., are complimenting the efforts of AP in implementing energy efficiency activities and in particular the city of Visakhapatnam which has occupied a place in global energy efficiency map, being the first city to have all street lights with LED bulbs. The results of Energy Efficiency Activities are being observed in Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) wherein around 92,000 Street Lights have been retro fitted with LED Lights and an average of 43% Energy savings per month were achieved so far.

The Chief Secretary further appraised the Prime Minister that, as a part of the special strategy on Energy Conservation & Energy Efficiency, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has given clear-cut instructions to the administrative machinery of Energy, MA & UD Dept., R & B, Agriculture, School Education, Higher Education, Rural Development etc. to put all out efforts to save a minimum of 1200 MU per annum from DELP and Street Lighting programmes which immensely help the State and Stake holders. Further Govt. has decided to distribute 9 W LED bulbs in place of 7W in all remaining 9 Districts in DELP Stage-II. The REAL credit goes to Chief Minister of AP for spear heading LED Revolution in the State who has been supporting the administrative machinery in this regard.

There is a tremendous response from the general public on the appeal of the Chief Minister to save power by means of Energy Efficiency activities and campaign on awareness creation on ways and means of practicing energy efficiency activities. The Govt. is very keen to ensure distribution of around 1.4 Crore 9 W LED bulbs in remaining 9 districts under DELP-Stage-II scheme and also Installation of 4.5 Lakh LED Street lights in all the municipalities and municipal corporations across the state by March 2016, CS appraised.

Prior to video conferencing , Energy Secretary Ajay Jain informed the CS that M/s Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) a Government of India Undertaking, involved in financing & implementation of energy efficiency projects across India, is committed to invest around Rs 5,000 Crs in AP in coming 5 years. Ajay Jain, and Secretary Higher Education Sumitha Dawra and CEO/SECM A. Chandra Sekhara Reddy and senior officers have also participated in the Video Conference at AP Secretariat.