1 lakh schoolkids will compete to save energy

In an effort to make students understand the importance of energy conservation, the government launched a mass awareness programme on Tuesday. Under the programme, as many as one lakh students will compete to save the maximum amount of energy at home. 

The children will be asked to maintain a monthly energy consumption record at home, with the help of electricity bills, till March 2017. Parents and teachers will sign these records each month, following which prizes and certificates will be given to those whose homes consumed the least number of energy units.

The children will also be encouraged to share any innovative efforts or ideas they implemented to cut back on power bills.

“The project has a dual objective of sustainability and conservation of the planet. Our aim is to save 24 crore units of electricity per year with the help of school children and their families. The competition costs Rs 10 per student and would lead to saving 10-30 units of electricity per student,” said Liz King, MD, Mott MacDonald.

Students will be given tips to save energy, including turning off the lights and fans when not in use, using full load in washing machines, and using LED Lights, solar water heaters, ACs with temperature control, solar inverters and solar lamps.

In the past as well, the government has undertaken such initiatives to engage children in awareness programmes, such as tree plantation and cleanliness drives.