'Switch to LED bulbs to save power'

Cost-cutting

Stressing the importance of energy conservation and ecological balance, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday advocated LED bulbs which consume 50 per cent less energy than a CFL and 85 per cent less than an incandescent bulb.

Speaking at launch of LED bulbs by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), Dikshit said the Delhi government is also considering to switch over to LED bulbs for the purpose of streetlighting across the city to save energy.

“The LED bulbs are in tune with the need of power conservation in the present times, Dikshit said.

“The power demand is going up day by day and in order to conserve energy and restrict electricity bills, it is advisable to go for LED bulbs,” Dikshit added.

She added that her government would like to promote LED bulbs by granting some concession in VAT.

Dikshit expressed her pleasure to see BRPL actively participating in Delhi government’s mission to conserve electricity.

She appealed to all the Bhagidari partners and Delhi citizens to take lead in conserving electricity which is the need of the hour.

Batting for the initiative, she said, LEDs unlike Compact Florescent Lamps (CFLs), contain zero mercury and  arsenic and hence check wastage of electricity.

BRPL has tied-up with Sahasra Electronics, a leading exporter and supplier of LED products to global lighting majors, including Philips and Tyco Electronics, to make LED bulbs available at low prices.

The market rate of a 7-watt LED bulb is Rs 800, but in Delhi it will be available at
Rs 399 with three years waranty.

Terming it to be a good step, power minister Haroon Yusuf said, “The LEDs will go a long way in saving power consumption by 70 per cent.”

Highlights

* Consume 50% less energy than a CFL and 85% less than a incandescent bulb.

* 7 watt LED gives light equals to 15 watt CFL or a 60 watt Ordinary bulb.

* Annual cost of running a LED – Rs 151; CFL Rs 217 and incandescent bulb Rs 612.

* Lifespan – LEDs 50,000 hours, CFLs 10,000 hours, incandescent Bulb 1,200 hours.