Now only in Mangaluru, DELP scheme to cover entire district soon

MANGALURU: Mangalureans are saying goodbye to the existing CFL bulbs with LED bulbs. The scheme launched in Mangaluru a fortnight back has got good response, say Mescom officials. So far, 29,032 LED bulbs have been purchased by Mescom consumers. While a consumer having a 3kw and above load will 10 LED bulbs at Rs 100 each, customers with less than that load will get five LED bulbs. Those domestic consumers, who do not want to pay upfront, can get the amount deducted at Rs 10 each for every bulb from their monthly electricity bill. Consumers have to produce the latest electricity bill and identity proof at the counters. As on Sunday, 25.91 lakh LED bulbs have been sold in the state with Bengaluru and Mysuru accounting for 14 lakh and 10.59 lakh LED bulbs sold respectively. Kalaburagi has seen 67,815 LEDs sold while Hubli is at 28,537. Mescom officials said that compared to regions like Bengaluru and Mysuru, the response appears to be poor. But the scheme was launched here in February first week, that too only in Mangaluru. The scheme will be launched in taluks soon and the sale figures will change,'' the official added. Mescom has close to two lakh consumers in the Mangaluru Division alone. But there are only eight points where LED bulbs are sold and they cover a consumer base of less than a lakh at present. The bulbs will be supplied under the domestic efficient lighting programme (DELP) scheme with the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a public sector entity under the administration of the Ministry of Power, being the nodal agency. The EESL will stand guarantee for three years to replace LED bulbs in case of failure or defects. Prateek Poojary, assistant manager, Global IT Services, which is distributing Bajaj brand LED bulbs said they also give to institutions, provided Mescom gives the authorisation. Under this Mangalore University has been given 1,700 LED bulbs. Poojary said: Institutions will have to give request letter to AEE, Mescom, who will inspect the requirements and gives them the authorisation letter to give the required number. He said next week, five distribution points will be opened at Puttur, Mudipu and two at BC Road. The distributor has nearly two lakh LED bulb in stock. Poojary also said that consumers need not purchase all bulbs at once and can stagger it according to requirement. In Mangaluru, the LEDs have been sold at eight locations namely at the Offices of Assistant Executive Engineer near Nehru Maidan; Attavara; Mescom Corporate office near AB Shetty circle; Mannagudda section; Mannagudda sub division, behind MCC office, Ullala sub division (Thokkottu-Konaje road) and Jeppu section office.