The allocation of Rs.2 crore in the state budget for 2009-10 for the distribution of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) free to those below the poverty line has opened a big opportunity for the state to address issues of sustainable development, particularly on energy efficiency.

The movement is of great importance to the business of building and development of real property in the state that has been looking to make the lighting more economical energy and environmentally friendly.

The motion of the state government has renewed a call from some quarters for the elimination of the ubiquitous bulbs of `zero-watt (12 - to 15-watt incandescent lamps).

It is estimated that more than eight zero-watt bulbs lakh working in the state consume more than 9 MW of power annually.

Most people are unaware that these bulbs, usually lit for ceremonial purposes and the operating day and night, are one of the gossip of the energy-inefficient modern-day.

The zero-watt bulb is a constant place in the decorative lighting and lighting before the deity figures. Rather than replacing all the energy-inefficient incandescent lamps, even the free distribution of a limited number of CFL bulbs will send a powerful message on the urgent need of energy efficiency even during the state faces another battle over the energy crisis .

The state also will benefit from the Lamp Yojana (Bly) bachata government of the union, being executed by the office of energy efficiency.

The government will distribute CFLs at Rs.15 each with manufacturing companies using carbon credits to make the best grant provided for the lamps.

Bly used the program for the clean development mechanism under Kyoto Protocol.

The scheme at the national level is a private-public initiative of the society in which the respective electricity boards of the state will be partners in overseeing the program. Georgekutty solar Kariyanapally of LifeWay, said that the movement is welcome to distribute CFLs to enter but the LED lamps will be responded to better purpose.

The quantum of energy saved will be much higher than what is now considered, he said.

He says the effort should be to eliminate the zero-watt bulbs so that the state could save up to 9 MW of power annually. This is not possible under current vision of the distribution of CFL.

One of the points he raises in support of their view is that LED lamps have much more life than CFLs. The life of an LED lamp will be at least five years.

He said there was no need to discuss the appropriateness of the LED lamps for the purpose of reading as the zero-watt bulbs that are not used to replace it.