Energy Conservation: Tirupati, Machilipatnam Municipal Corporations win awards

Vijayawada: Stating that the government has committed to take energy efficiency movement to every doorstep in the State, Minister for Energy Balineni Srinivasa Reddy said on Friday that the State government was promoting energy efficiency in a mission mode with an objective to benefit every family in the State in the form of reducing electricity bills and other costs and promote industrial and economic development.

The Minister presented the State Energy Conservation Awards to government and private organisations at a valedictory function of energy conservation week organised by AP State Energy Conservation Mission in Vijayawada.

Simhadri Super Thermal Power Station (NTPC Simhadri, Visakhapatnam), Tirupati Municipal Corporation and Sree Jaya Jyothi Cements Pvt Limited won awards under gold category.

Machilipatnam Municipal Corporation, Sri Damodaram Sanjeevaiah Thermal Power Station, Nellore and Dalmia Cements, Kadapa have been selected for awards under silver category. APEPDCL building in Visakhapatnam has been nominated for certificate of the merit in Building sector.

The State energy conservation awards were presented in four categories viz thermal power production, cement industry, building sector and urban local bodies.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the government wants every home, industry and commercial establishment to become energy efficient which would improve efficient use of energy. Prevention of wastage of energy leads to lower energy bills and other energy related expenditure. He advised people to use energy efficient and star rated appliances to save energy and money as well. Expressing happiness over the industries and thermal power plants along with urban local bodies for being selected for energy conservation awards, the Minister said, "This is definitely a welcoming development. I appeal to industry sector to come forward voluntarily to work with government to enhance energy efficiency in industries. The energy efficiency will give not only economic benefits but also environmental protection."

The Minister appreciated APSECM and energy department for introducing awards first time in the State under energy efficiency category.

Secretary for energy Srikant Nagulapalli said that Andhra Pradesh was one of the best performers in improving energy efficiency in industries under PAT compliance by saving 2,386 MU of electricity that worth around Rs 1600 crore. Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM) officials explained that the National Productivity Council (NPC), autonomous organisation conducted the evaluation process for selecting winners for State energy conservation awards under four categories- thermal power production, cement industry, building sector and urban local bodies.