From now, new power connections only for energy-efficient pumpsets

Escoms in Karnataka will provide new power connections to pumpsets only if the device is energy efficient with a four to five star rating, Energy Minister D K Shivakumar announced in Bengaluru on Friday.

Addressing a press conference, Shivakumar said the new rule will be applicable to all types of pumpsets including irrigation, domestic and industrial. Energy efficient pumpsets with four to five star grading cost between Rs 30,000 and Rs 45,000 per unit depending on the horse power. They cost around Rs 10,000 more compared to regular pumpsets.

Shivakumar said the state government spends around Rs 9,000 crore for providing free power to farmers. Installing energy efficient pumpsets will result in savings to the tune of 30% to 39% of power. However, for achieving that, all the 22 lakh pumpsets in the state will have to be replaced with energy efficient ones.

Shivakumar said no deadline has been set for replacement of existing pumpsets. 

“To start with, the rule will apply only to new connections. In the long run, there is a proposal to replace all pumpsets with energy efficient ones. We will launch an awareness drive soon,” Shivakumar noted.

In another initiative to save power, the minister said a circular has been issued to all urban local bodies to replace existing street lights with LED bulbs.

Pumpsets in forests

With waterholes in forests drying up and animals straying in search of water, the energy department will take steps to draw water from nearby sources using solar pumpsets to fill water bodies. 

“Recently, I stayed in a guest house in Bandipur and was shocked to see that most of the water bodies in the forest had dried up. The Karnataka Renewable Energy Department Ltd has been entrusted with the task of installing solar pumpsets,” the minister added.

As many as 20 solar pumpsets will be installed in Bandipur at locations identified by the forest department. He said the energy department is willing to install solar pumpsets in other forests and will also bear the cost.

 

More power

He said the government will soon come out with orders for increasing free electricity supply under the Bhagya Jyothi scheme from 18 to 40 units per month. It will cost the exchequer an additional Rs 388 crore per annum.

Shivakumar said that as announced in the state budget, five villages (population between 1,000 and 2,000) in each Assembly constituency will be converted into Model Electricity Villages by ensuring efficient use of electricity.