APDCL distributes LED bulbs among consumers in Jorhat

From a Correspondent

JORHAT, January 20: APDCL (Assam Power Distribution Company Limited) started a distribution programme of subsidized LED bulbs among its consumers at Bidyut Bhavan in Jorhat on Wednesday which was jointly iugurated by legislator Ra Goswami of Jorhat and MLA Mariani and Parliamentary Secretary, Power, to the Government of Assam, Rupjyoti Kurmi in presence of the APDCL General Mager (GM) Pronob Bora and other staff. Incidentally, the distribution programme launched by APDCL, UAR (Upper Assam Region) is the second in an all Assam basis after the first in gaon a few days back.

Addressing the assembled consumers, GM Pronob Bora said, "The Assam Government and EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Limited) both are the main players behind the subsidized LED bulb distribution programme, through which we will distribute two LED bulbs against each domestic bill. We have a total of 33 lakh power consumers in the State and we at APDCL are committed to provide uninterrupted power supply 24x7. Whereas the total power consumption in Jorhat district stands at 100 MW and through proper implementation of various regulatory checks we have been able to maintain a total capacity of 200 MW. Keeping aside a few minute issues, we have a hundred per cent power availability."

"Question today is not only about electric supply but what matters most is power distribution at affordable rates. The total cost of power still stands at Rs 6 (Rs 4.5 against transmission/generation cost and Rs 1.5 as distribution cost). The Assam Government under the 'Jeevan Dhara, BPL, Domestic A' category has been incurring a subsidiary budget allocation of Rs 200 crore to APDCL every year with an aim to minimize load of the consumers electric bill. Today's emphasis is how to reduce electric consumption through technology and change of mentality. The two LED bulbs of 7 watt each in place of the 60 watt conventiol bulb with the same brightness will save more than 16 units per month if operated for at least 5 hours X 30 days thus ensuring savings of Rs 50 to Rs 60 per month. Savings of 33 lakh consumers will thus save Rs 16 crores per month and Rs 200 crore annually. And that is why the government has decided to provide LED bulbs at Rs 100 each which are otherwise priced at Rs 300 each," added GM Pronob Bora.

Earlier MLA Ra Goswami came down heavily on industrialists who indulge in large-scale power theft. Speaking on the occasion, Goswami said, "Power is an indispensable part of human growth and development but unluckily the proper functioning of APDCL has been marred by the growing cases of power theft by reputed businessmen and industrialists who steal power using various techniques while having a nexus with officers of the APDCL and this is one of the main reason for APDCL being in a continued state of loss. Non-revenue collection has forced APDCL to become defunct. There are many instances of industrial houses paying bill of Rs 5,000 which is generally the bill of a domestic consumer nowadays. The Assam Government is committed to provide subsidized power rates in between Rs 5 to Rs 6 whereas we purchase power from other States at more than Rs 14 per unit. Through the use of these LED bulbs people will automatically learn to be power cautious."

Parliamentary Secretary and MLA Mariani Rupjyoti Kurmi, however, stressed exploring new ideas for power generation in the State. He said, "Assam can bank upon production of solar energy. Also harnessing wind energy which is being successfully done by other States of the country. Karimganj and Cachar are two districts close to the Bay of Bengal, an area of depression close to Bangladesh can provide a good source of wind energy. This has already been appraised by scientists doing research in this field. Tapping of these sources will only ensure 24x7 electricity. The people must come forward in using the LED bulbs and saving energy."