Pb gets zero-cost energy model for streetlights
Five MCs, Major Govt Buildings To Be Covered
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Amritsar: Saving power is the latest mantra. And Punjab does not want to be left behind. It took a step in this direction when Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) implemented a zero-cost energy efficienct model for street lighting in all five municipal corporations in the state - Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala and Bathinda. Besides, major government buildings such as mini-secretariat in Chandigarh and district administrative complexes of Patiala, Ludhiana, Sangrur and Bathinda had also been brought under the ambit of this scheme.
This was stated by Bikram Singh Majithia, science, technology and environment minister after unveiling the model at state-level energy conservation day jointly celebrated here by PEDA and PSEB. He said the state government had evolved a unique financial model with the support of USAID, Econoler Canada and other reputed organizations in the field of energy conservation.
The government claimed the model has been appreciated by the Central government in which energy service companies bring energyefficient technologies and recover investment through savings accrued from electricity bills over five-seven years. ESCO financial models were being implemented in developed countries, where the organizations and industries were achieving energy efficiency by signing performance-based contracts without investing own funds, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, TPS Sidhu, chief executive, PEDA, stated that PEDA had formulated a five-year energy conservation action plan (2007-2012) and activities were being undertaken with financial assistance from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). Balour Singh, director, PEDA, said with the support of BEE and the state government PEDA had taken many steps for implementation of Energy Conservation Act, including issuing of notification/directives for adoption of energy conservation measures and use of renewable energy systems.
PK Bansal, chief engineer, HRD, PSEB, revealed that the PSEB had launched a special drive to promote CFL bulbs in agriculture and domestic sectors and added that by adopting these bulbs 600 MW could be saved.