What is the story about?
Bengaluru is taking significant steps to address the rising electricity costs that have been a burden for both the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage
Board (BWSSB) and its residents. With an ambitious plan to ramp up in-house power generation and shift towards renewable energy sources, the power supply company is planning to reduce its electricity bills and enhance its green energy footprint.
What Is BWSSB Planning?
Solar Push Under Cauvery Stage VI
One of the pivotal projects contributing to this initiative is the Cauvery Stage VI drinking water project. Supported by the World Bank and estimated to cost Rs 5,177 crore, this project will supply 500 million liters of water daily to Bengaluru.
A key feature of this project is the integration of solar power, which is expected to yield significant savings on electricity costs. BWSSB anticipates that by utilizing solar energy, it can save approximately Rs 5.77 crore each month from the projected monthly power costs of Rs 19.13 crore.
The strategic incorporation of solar energy into the Cauvery project is a critical component of the broader effort to enhance the city's sustainability while simultaneously addressing the escalating electricity expenses.
By harnessing renewable energy, BWSSB aims to reduce its reliance on the grid, which currently incurs high monthly costs.
How STPs are Boosting Green Power in Bengaluru?
Bengaluru's sewage treatment plants (STPs) are also playing a vital role in this green initiative. Currently, BWSSB operates several STPs that collectively generate over 1,000 megawatts of electricity each month.
The board plans to enhance its power generation capabilities by adopting advanced renewable technologies. This includes exploring the commercial use of bio-sludge produced at these plants, which can be converted into high-quality fertilizer for sale.
The ongoing transition towards renewable energy at STPs is expected to substantially decrease BWSSB's monthly electricity expenditure, which currently stands at Rs 86 crore. By implementing phased power-generation mechanisms across new STPs, particularly those under the Cauvery Stage VI project, the board is poised to optimize its energy production and lower operational costs.
How Will It Slash Electricity Bills in Bengaluru?
The integration of solar power and the expansion of renewable energy generation at STPs will directly impact electricity bills for Bengaluru residents. BWSSB currently pays around Rs 6.50 per unit of electricity, a rate that is significantly higher than what can be achieved through renewable sources.
By shifting to solar energy, the board expects toprocure electricity at a lower cost, ultimately passing on the savings to consumers.
Moreover, the surplus energy generated from STPs, particularly from the Vrishabhavathi Valley plant, which feeds approximately 45-50% of its output into the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) grid, can also contribute to reducing the overall power costs for the city.
As the board scales up its renewable energy initiatives, residents can anticipate lower electricity bills and a more sustainable energy future.
