Mysuru: In an attempt to overcome severe power shortage faced by the state and to save power, Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday launched an ambitious programme of the Energy department called ‘Hosa Belaku – Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme’.

The programme provides LED bulbs at nominal prices to all households in the state.

Energy Minister Mr D.K. Shivakumar and the brand ambassadors of the programme, Puneeth Rajkumar and Ramya were present.

Speaking on the occasion CM Siddaramaiah said, “While incandescent bulbs are of 60 watt each, the LED bulbs introduced in the programme are 9 mega watts each and are non-breakable bulbs which come with a three year warranty. They emit more light compared to incandescent bulbs. Each consumer can save Rs 500 to Rs 600 per year with the usage of LED lights while the government can save 300 to 400 mega watt of electricity.  We have 1.53 lakh power consumers, so with this we can save Rs 450 to Rs 500 crores. By introducing LED lamps in street lighting, we can save upto 1000 mega watts,” he said.  
 
“The state has a demand of 10,000 mega watt but we generate only 7000 mega watt. There is a deficit of 3000 mega watt. By May-June 2016 we are likely to generate an additional 2300 mega watt. With this project and other energy efficient projects we are likely to attain self sufficiency in the power sector in the coming years,” Siddaramaiah added.

Energy Minister Mr D.K. Shivakumar in his address, said, “We are coming up with a mega solar energy plant which can manufacture 2000 mega watt solar energy in 12,000 acres of land in Pavagada. We are hiring the land of farmers for Rs 21,000 per year. We are also coming up with solar energy plants with a capacity to produce 20 mega watt power each, in 60 taluks of the state to provide electricity to farmers’ pumpsets.”