In a major achievement in energy conservation, the Malayattoor-Neeleeswaram grama panchayat successfully conserved 1.50 lakh units of power.
The panchayat under the Angamaly block achieved this through the Urjasree project, which was launched during March, April and May this year.
The project was jointly initiated by the state government, Electricity Board and local self- government institutions.
The project was a major success in Malayattoor-Neeleeswaram panchayat. Under the project, the panchayat was able to save 5,000 units of power per day.
During the days of heavy power shortage, the panchayat could save a total of 1.50 lakh units of power through this project, said president of the panchayat Radhakrishnan Chengad.
As many as 2,000 families from the panchayat took part in the initiative. Before starting the project, awareness classes were organised for the families to make them familiarise with the task.
Following which the project was implemented with the help of Kudumbasree workers.
Those who joined the project as members were issued the cards from the Electricity Board.
The members were told to record the electricity meter reading on these cards. Those who were able to save maximum power were encouraged by installing solar panels at their houses free of cost.
In addition those who came second and third were given prizes.
Solar-powered street lights
Taking a cue from the project, the panchayat is all set to install solar-powered street lights at various junctions. An amount of Rs 8 lakh will be spent for the project, said the panchayat president.
The entire expenditure for the project will be handled by the panchayat. In the initial phase, solar-powered street lights will be installed at 27 main junctions in the panchayat. Each of this lights will cost Rs 29,000. Once the project is implemented the panchayat will be able to save power at a large scale, said the panchayat officials