Bangalore: Karnataka can take pride on the renewable energy front. Of the total energy consumed by customers of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) so far, 11% came from renewable energy against the 7% target set by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. For consumers of Electricity Supply Companies, the figure was 10%.

Additional chief secretary of the energy department in the state Shamim Banu announced these achievements while opening a two-day conference on 'Energy symposium and vendors conclave' on Friday.

"Discussions on energy management have been going on since the 1970s, but nothing concrete has happened. The reason is the cost and uncertainty factors which need to be addressed," said Banu.

She hailed the government's efforts to push for energy-efficient appliances. "While Bescom has already distributed four lakh compact fluorescent lights in Kolar district, it may take two more months to complete distribution of lights in other jurisdictions," said Banu.

The government is trying to turn all state offices and buildings energy efficient. It is collecting data on the number of such buildings and appliances which can be replaced with energy-efficient lights.

The government plans to implement green building code in new infrastructure coming up in the city and also in government buildings.
S Chandrashekhar, chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industries, stressed on integrated energy policies.

Dr A Ramachandran, chairman of The Energy Research Institute, said, "The problem appears at the stage of their implementation. Politicians think green energy involves heavy expenditure in building infrastructure. They don't realise that it will reap huge benefits in all aspects."(From left): Additional chief secretary of the energy department Shameem Banu, CSD chairman Dr A Ravindra, Teri chairman Dr A Ramachandran and Bhoruka Power managing director S Chandrasekar at a conference on 'Energy symposium and vendors conclave' on Friday.