Energy crisis is a universal phenomenon and most countries are finding ways to overcome the crises by a serious, well chalked out long term strategy, building system safeguards, disciplines, technology integration and man power training by awareness creation.

In India with much fanfare many schemes were launched, with an eye on publicity, and the opportunity to protect some vested interests. The launch of 8 National Missions (http://competitionaffairs.blogspot.in/2011/04/summary-article-on-8-national-missions.html) has created some hope that at least some meaningful action would be initiated.

The reality is that plans were conceived without proper consideration and steps for implementation and mired in bureaucratic hurdles and mind boggling paperwork. The Energy Conservation Act of 2001 is 

yet to be implemented and rules are not framed in more than 50% of Indian states and penal action not articulated for effective implementation. Conservation has remained as a conversation topic and the benefits have not been reaped by the nation, people and society. The nation as an entity lacks in many areas with utter disregard for environment (though we profess to revere and worship Mother Earth); corruption (mining scams, coal scam, etc., ad nauseam); and poor quality of personnel at key positions, etc. The effects of the lack of implementation are being felt now, by one and all, in escalating fuel prices, power cost, and huge loss of competitiveness. The woes are endless. However this article is not about the utter failure of the government and administration (most insensitive), but about the writer's personal involvement in energy efficiency and resource conservation.

In the area of lighting, there have been many significant developments in LED technology which has led to demand suppression by 50 to 60% in areas of street lighting, yard lighting, commercial complexes, railways and industrial lighting. The demand suppression leads to lower capital investments in integration and embracing solar solutions, as the demand suppression of 60% with efficient technology will reduce the cost significantly. Only such measures can bridge the peak time demand gap and make sustainability possible. In the area of agriculture, the need for solar pumping cannot be over emphasized as the food production costs due to other factors (fuels fertilizers other inputs are increasing in exponential terms) thus threatening food production and food security, e.g., prices of simple onions. The hunger for votes has made the political system so morally bankrupt that schemes are designed to garner votes by indulging in sops but not in building a work culture or getting work done. Work ethics morality and strict fiscal and long term planning are the only solutions The government has failed to contribute anything in 60 years except amassing huge deficits and international debt. Against this backdrop, it is the duty of the responsible citizen to use his personal initiative to fend for himself and the society and in the process save the nation from this enveloping energy crisis.

(Global Telelinks - Prakruthi Power, Hyderabad. Tel: 040-23350291. Mobile: 098480-11955, 098483-11955. Fax: 91-40-23350292. Email: info@prakruthipower.com, prakruthipower@gmail.com)