The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to expand the energy efficient pump set scheme, aimed at replacing the conventional pumpsets with energy efficient ones, all over the State.
Accordingly, the Government will take up replacement of over 15 lakh conventional pumpsets with energy efficient ones estimated to cost Rs. 50,000 each, in a phased manner. The replacement is aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and increasing the pumping capacity which in turn would help in significant energy savings. The costs of the replacement would be borne by the energy utilities and the State Government without burdening the farmers. The decision comes after the successful implementation of the EEPS scheme in Rajanagaram mandal of East Godavari district. A monitoring of the verification audit conducted on 142 pumpsets that were replaced on a pilot basis at Rajanagaram revealed that energy savings to the tune of 20.38 million units was achieved.
Finer details
The finer details of the scheme would be announced at the national-level stakeholders meet on agriculture DSM (demand side management) to be held in Vijayawada on Thursday. The meeting being organised by the Central Government includes discussions with the manufacturers of agricultural pump sets, evolving an effective structure for the agriculture DSM scheme and it would explore the potential to scale up the project. The Government had firmed up its resolve to launch the scheme across the State after the Central Government had assured to provide Rs. 5,000 crore through the Energy Efficiency Services Limited. EESL managing director Saurabh Kumar appreciated the energy conservation methods adopted by the State power utilities and assured that they would be showcased at the national level for replication by other States.
To replace 15 lakh conventional pumpsets with energy efficient ones estimated to cost Rs. 50,000 each, in a phased manner.

Source : The hindu