Bhopal, Apr 30: Alternative sources are the best options to combat energy crisis.

'Electricity saved is electricity generated' and 'Save electricity' are the slogans of the State Electricity Board. Barring one or two states, the whole country is facing power shortage. The main reason is that everyday the demand is increasing. At the same time it is not possible to increase generation as per demand. Hence we face power shortage and the result is power cuts-scheduled or unscheduled.

We are aware of the difficulties we have to face when power goes off. Still, most of us are careless when it comes to saving power. We do not bother to switch off the light or fan if not needed or when going to other room. The TV is on, but the viewer may be in the kitchen or in the toilet. All these avoidable wastage should be avoided. Only then, power could be supplied to those who are in great need elsewhere. Moreover, the power bill can be reduced by using electricity judiciously. This is the direct benefit to our pocket.

Mercifully, the state capital is spared of power cut. We are lucky that we are not living at the divisional or district headquarters or villages where electricity is not supplied for several hours together.

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam had once propounded two theories for electricity generation and supply. The first is to tap all sources such as hydroelectric, thermal, and non-conventional to generate electricity. The second important one is to judiciously use the available power and reduce the transmission losses of power and pilferage. At a rough estimate, it has been ascertained that through curtailing of wastage of electricity we can save up to 20 to 25 per cent at the industrial sector, 25 to 30 per cent at the agriculture sector and 15 to 20 per cent power at the household and commercial sector.

How to save power

* By using of T-5 tube light. The traditional tube light generally consumes 54 watts while the T-5 tubes consume only 28 watts. The saving is 45 per cent.

* Use CFL

* Use electronic regulator to save 50 per cent power.

* Use saucer water heater. This way 1000 units could be saved.

* Use solar and wind energy.

Govt's schemes

* Rural electrification scheme.

* Through solar energy, rural houses are given enough power to light bulbs and one street light between two houses.

* Water harvesting system in 1020 villages.

* Self-help scheme through cow rearing.

* National biogas scheme.

* Solar energy tapping scheme.

What they say

O P Sharma, in-charge PRO of Energy Development Corporation said the corporation has set up devises at the PWD and Government Rest Houses to save energy. He says his parents and family always try to save electricity.

Sohail we can tide over power crisis through with our own efforts like using of CFL and tapping of solar energy.

Deepti Gupta, housewife is always alert about consuming electricity and its wastage at home. We use lights and fans sparingly at home and teach the children the need to save power, she said.

Anupama Shukla said CFL is being used at home. Workshop was organised at school on Save Energy Day from where she got the tips to save energy at home.

Shankarlal Guha said that in the 1960's the country was facing food grains shortage. The then Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri thought of a novel idea to face the crisis. He announced that he would fast at night and would not take food. He appealed the countrymen to follow suit. Like him, if every one of us determines to save one unit a day, there will be plenty of energy to meet all demands.