We are encouraging consumers to switch over to LED

India is a substantially large market for LED lighting products and, aided by government initiatives and its unique demographic advantages, the country will continue to expand at a healthy rate over the next few years, Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power Co tells POWER TODAY in this exclusive interaction.

What motivated Tata Power to become a part of the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP) and Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All (UJALA) programme?
In a power-starved country like India, energy conservation is the best way to serve the nation both economically and environmentally. Lighting systems consume around 17 per cent of the total energy generated in the country. It is time to abandon antiquated technologies and embrace new ones. The concept of energy-efficiency is integral to Tata Power's sustainable business objectives and, through initiatives like these, we wish to create a culture of energy conservation in the country. The idea is to encourage consumers to switch to new LED technology in the coming years.

How many LED bulbs have been distributed to consumers by Tata Power?
In the financial year 2017-18, we facilitated the distribution of more than 110,000 LED bulbs to our consumers in Mumbai.
What are some of the ways in which you are imparting the importance of energy management and conservation to your customers across India?
We have undertaken various initiatives in line with our belief in ensuring a greener and sustainable planet. Over the years, we have rolled out various consumer initiatives like multiple demand-side management (DSM) programmes for promoting efficient use of energy to communicate our goal of sustainability. Apart from this, we have also initiated Greenolution, which is a unique initiative that is not only participative but also engaging, responsive, and ever-evolving. Through Greenolution, Tata Power has rolled out various practices and programmes to popularise sustainability as a movement by making all stakeholders and the public at large a part of them.

Tata Power is also part of a group of 46 leading international companies working together to develop a global policy framework to combat climate change. Launched in January 2007, the 3C initiative or combat climate change is a global opinion group consisting of companies from a broad range of industries demanding integration of climate issues in markets and trade.

Consequently, what kind of savings have customers accrued on an average, as a result of your outreach?
The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) sets minimum energy standards for new commercial buildings having a connected load of 500 kW or contract demand of 600 kVA. An innovative business model is provided through energy service companies (ESCOs) whereby the energysaving potential of an existing building can be captured and the risks faced by its owner addressed. We have also been relentlessly spreading awareness about resource conservation through Tata Power Club Enerji (TPCE), our nationwide resource and energy conservation movement that focuses on creating a first-hand realisation of the energy crisis and scarcity of natural resources.

By far, we have cumulatively sensitised over 3.5 million people across the six cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Pune, and Bangalore, and saved around 4 million units of electricity in the financial year 2017–18. The TPCE programme was also launched in Ajmer, Rajasthan, last year. We have been propagating efficient use of energy and are educating young children who are the future of our country on climate change issues since 2007.

What are some of the potential drivers that will boost the adoption of LED lighting solutions in the coming years?
The Indian LED lighting market stood at $918.70 million in 2016 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 24.66 per cent to reach $3,758.74 million by 2022. This is a direct result of increased government initiatives to boost LED adoption and growing awareness regarding lower power consumption by LED lighting products. Exhaustive efforts are being made by the government and Tata Power, along with other major players through various schemes such as UJALA and SLNP, for creating awareness. India offers huge market opportunity and it will continue to grow at a healthy rate over the next few years. Moreover, to promote the use of LED lights over halogens and incandescent lighting products, the Indian government has enabled the distribution of LED bulbs at affordable prices, making them easily available. Availability of skilled labour, ease of doing business, and demographic advantages will be among some of the potential drivers that will boost the adoption of LED lighting solutions in the coming years.

- Manish Pant