Save power for ‘bright’ future

HYDERABAD: From enforcing stringent rules to reducing wastage of power to negotiating with neighbouring states for extra supply, to even opting for alternative sources of energy, the state government has to take every measure possible in order to address the city’s deteriorating power crisis at the earliest. Only then can it effectively preserve the image of Hyderabad, said readers of The Times of India through their flurry of e-mails sent in support of TOI’s ‘Reinventing Brand Hyderabad’ campaign.Extending their whole-hearted cooperation to the cause of protecting their city’s brand value, readers who responded in overwhelming numbers, almost unanimously pointed out how conservation of power, both at the domestic and commercial level, was the first step towards achieving the goal: that of uninterrupted power supply across the city.
“Much power is wasted through loose joints and old wiring. These should be replaced or revamped. Effective restraining of loosely-hanging overhead wires will not just help save energy but even precious lives,” suggested Sainikpuri resident, SK Rao, while also recommending basic measures like periodic checking and calibrating of electric meters (at households and private establishments) by authorities to arrest pilferage and regular ‘load surveys’ of transformers. On similar lines, former secretary to the government of Madhya Pradesh, DVSR Sarma, said: “With strict vigilance of streetlights that are seen glowing even post sunrise, the authorities can save at least 10% of the current power usage.” He also suggested a cap on the amount of power supplied to dignitaries residing in various parts of Hyderabad. “In such times of crisis, a simple measure like this can have a lot of impact,” the ex-bureaucrat stressed.
Other short-term solutions offered by residents included trimming of supplies for “entertainment purposes”. “There should be an immediate and complete ban on use of unnecessary power by function halls, malls and other such places,” said KS Chakradhar Reddy, a resident of Masab Tank. He felt that this misuse, if checked, can help in diverting supply towards the needs of households that are reeling under four or more hours of power cut every day. Reddy, however, added that the government, in the long run, would have to do more - like open its doors to private players to set shop in the state - to ensure abundant supply to Hyderabad and the rest of Telangana.
A large number of readers also maintained that it was time to turn to alternative energy sources, primarily solar energy, to address the crisis. “It is high time that we consider this seriously. The government should encourage citizens to set up solar panels for power generation by offering technical support and also extending subsidy on this product,” shared Phani K Raju. His theory found resonance among those like Prakash Jumani from Somajiguda, who said: “Thousands of apartments in the city can be compulsorily made to install these panels on their rooftops for captive generation.” While stating how this could bring about a huge difference to the power situation of Hyderabad, Jumani also suggested drain water exploitation and effective use of wind power as other alternates. “If the millions of gallons of waste water that flows in to these drains is properly channelized with filters fitted along the way, and the water is routed through mini turbines, the valuable power generated can be added to the local grid,” he explained.
Taking the wind energy proposition forward, Madhukar Mahenderkar, said: “Dams should be constructed in such a way that the water is not wasted and used to the optimum to produce power. Also, the government, instead of giving away its huge tracts of land to cash-rich corporates, should use it for setting up plants to produce wind/solar energy.” He also highlighted the need for preservation of Hyderabad’s lakes for better power management. For Rajgopal Baldwa of Maheshnagar Colony, however, the solution lies in the Telangana and AP government sitting across the table and ironing out their differences. “This will help Telangana draw some additional power from AP which has higher power generation,” he said.
While that could be an option, Sarma also feels that the new state should explore the possibility of purchasing power from neighbouring Chhattisgarh.