Sustainability of Subsidised Power Tariff?

 

The critical problems being faced by Electrical Energy Consumers in the country are a) Non Availability of assured power supply, b) Poor Quality of power supply and c) High Tariff electrical energy. The widening gap between Supply and Demand contributes to a) and b) above.

 

 As the increase of generating capacities is an expensive and time consuming option, efforts should be made to supress the demand which is cost effective and faster, so to minimize the gap between Supply and Demand

 

Supress Demand

 

 The demand can be supressed by adopting energy efficient lighting and other electrical appliances / devices, by avoiding lights and fans in day time to the extent possible by making use of natural light and ventilation and avoiding wastage of electrical energy by switching off the devices / appliances when not in use and not required.

 

 The electrical energy efficiency can be promoted by encouraging the use of LED Tube lights / Bulbs, 5 Star Rated Fans and other appliances by reducing or waiving of the local taxes and /or offering suitable one time subsidies for the energy efficient products. There is enough scope for saving energy by judicial management in Govt. Offices and Buildings in particular, in addition to Street Lighting.

 

Solar PV Power

 

The use of Renewable Sources of energy namely Solar PV Power by all the consumers in excess of say 1000 units or so per month, to the extent of 25% of annual consumption be made mandatory. This may require the clearance by the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERC).  Other consumers may be encouraged to opt for Roof-Top Solar PV Systems with Net-Metering facility and Solar Water Heating Systems by offering suitable one time incentives such as waiver of local taxes and / or State Subsidies in addition to the subsidies offered by MNRE, GOI.

 

Conclusion

 

The continuing subsidy offered by way of reduction of electrical Power Tariff fixed by SERC, will involve the reimbursement of the difference to the Distribution Company by the State Govt. As the subsidised power  may lead to wastage in the consumption of electrical energy, further increasing the gap between Demand and Supply,  it may be worthwhile to consider the promotion of energy efficiency by one time subsidy  and supress the demand .

 

 One unit of energy saved is equal to more than one unit generated. The Energy Efficiency is cheaper and faster than any other source of energy generation.

   

                          "Save To-Day, Survive Tomorrow"

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