JDA to set up solar power grids at parkings lots, parks

This is a new initiative to save electricity bills not only by JDA office but also other structures which come under the JDA

SURESH MEENA, engineer, JDA

JAIPUR: The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) plans to install solar power grids in parking places, community centres and parks to reduce electricity bills, officials said.

In the first phase, solar power grids will be installed at the JDA office and central park car parking and Jawahar circle parking spaces. In the second phase, grids will be installed alongside the Dravyavati river, community centres and parks under the development authority.

Suresh Meena, superintendent engineer (electrical), JDA said the plan for the first phase will be executed within the next 10 days.

“This is a new initiative to save electricity bills not only by the JDA office but also other structures which are monitored by the authority. In the JDA office alone the cost of nearly 1,15,000 units of electricity will be saved every month,” Meena said.

For JDA office premises, the authority plans to carry out two plans in agreement with the Energy Efficiency Services Lim- ited. Under the first plan, solar power grids will be installed across the office.

The second plan, called Building Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP), will ensure replacing old electrical fittings with star-rated ones to reduce power costs. A similar plan will be executed for the central park car parking near Narayan Singh circle and car parking near Jawahar circle.

“Solar grids will produce 65,000 units in a month and BEEP will save another 50,000 units. Together they will save 1,15,000 units in a month,” Meena said. “Presently the bill for the JDA office premises amounts to nearly ~2 crore annually.

The plan is expected to cut short the electricity bill expenditure by more than 70%. After the second phase, we can expect a huge reduction in electricity costs incurred on structures monitored by JDA.”

There is no capital investment for the programme since the work is being carried out under grid connection programme (GCR) of the ministry of new and renewable energy, said JDA officials. The programme, to be carried out in coordination with EESL, will have an agreement for the next 25 years.

Officials said the programme could be seen as an attempt to reduce the expenditure of the JDA which is currently facing financial crunch.