In a move to promote energy saving, the state government has announced that it would provide compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) to replace existing incandescent lights in 14.62 lakh huts at the cost of Rs 14.62 crore.
The move would help save 45 MW of power, said finance minister O. Panneerselvam presenting the budget for 2012-13 in the Assembly.
Besides, the government would initiate action to implement the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) in commercial buildings and certain categories of major building complexes based on their energy consumption. “At 30 per cent energy savings, this has the potential to save around 3 MW per 10 lakh square feet area,” he said.
Giving thrust to non-conventional energy sources, the finance minister said the government would promote solar energy parks, coastal and offshore wind energy farms and biomass thermal projects as long-term measures to meet energy needs.
He said 60,000 houses would be provided solar lights at the cost of Rs 180 crore and 20,000 more streetlights will be energised with solar power at the cost of Rs 50 crore in this fiscal year.
Mr Panneerselvan said the transmission network would be strengthened at the cost of Rs 3, 572 crore which would be funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
He also pointed out Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (R-APDRP) is being implemented by Tangedco with the objective of reducing the transmission and distribution losses.
Keeping his promise that the state would provide adequate budgetary support to Tangedco to rescue it from the financial crisis, Mr Pannerselvam said Rs 3,068 crore has also been provided as subsidy support to Tangedco in the budget estimates.