KMC to bid on solar power to cut down billing amounts

Kolkata: In a stride towards reducing the electricity bill and curbing pollution, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has decided to use solar power for electricity production in the municipal markets in the city. There are 46 markets in the city under the aegis of KMC and the civic body has decided to kick off the solar lighting project from Lake Market and Gariahat Market in South Kolkata. A senior official of the civic body said, “We have already started the process of introducing solar power in these two markets. A budget of Rs 2.5 crore has been earmarked for it.” The matter will soon be placed for approval at the member Mayor in Council (MMiC) meeting, which is the decision making body of KMC.

Solar power and renewable energy expert Santipada Gon Chowdhury said that there is reasonable amount of space in these two markets for installing solar panels. “We are hopeful that power bill will come down reasonably following this,” Gon Chowdhury said.

Solar grids with capacity of 200 kilowatt each will be created in these two markets. However, normal electric connection will continue for sometime even after fitting the solar panels. Solar power has already been introduced by KMC in a number of areas in the city like Deshapriya Park, College Square, Maddox Square, Jatin Das Park, Deshbandhu Park etc and the electricity bills have reduced considerably. The civic body saves around Rs 8,000 a month on electricity in the areas.

Source: millenniumpost.in