Express News Service By

HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh government is planning to distribute five more LED bulbs to each SC, ST and BC family in the state, as part of its energy efficiency (EE) measures. These five bulbs will be supplied in addition to the two 9 Watt LED bulbs, which are being distributed to every household at a subsidised cost of Rs 10 each, as against the market price of Rs 250 to Rs 400, as part of the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP).

“The five bulbs are proposed to be made available just at Rs 10 each and the balance cost of the bulbs will be borne by the government from the SC, ST Sub-Plan funds,” principal secretary (energy, I&I, CRDA) Ajay Jain said here on Sunday.

According to him, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu wants to make AP the first Incandescent Bulb-free state in the country by March 2017. Hence, the energy department has decided to step up its energy conservation activities further. “Implement AP Energy Star-rated appliances and equipment programme vigorously to ensure that every household makes use of energy efficient equipment like ceiling fans, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines and lighting systems at reasonable price. Create wide awareness among the people by setting up district level information centres in this regard,” Naidu was quoted as saying.