Thrikkakara: A workshop held at the Model Engineering College here sought to promote awareness on the benefits of LED lights in reducing power consumption. It was organised under the initiative of the National Service Scheme (NSS). The session highlighted the current consumption rates of electricity by comparing the efficiency of various types of bulbs.

The three-hour session was conducted by Listin Abey, an alumnus who works at the Mithradham Renewable Energy Centre, Aluva. The participants were provided with an LED making kit along with a soldering kit and the students successfully created and tested the bulbs they made.

“A productive and thought-evoking session. The organising committee has done it best to enlighten us and we are really happy to be a part of this workshop,” said Ashwin Shanil, a second-year Computer Science student of the college. “We were stunned to realise that a major change can be brought to the present situation by these simple means and will definitely make sure that we ourselves switch to LED bulbs and also prompt our friends and families to do the same,” said a group of first-year students representing the Electronics and Communication branch of the college.

According to recent reports from the Kerala State Electricity Board, the average power consumption in Kerala has almost touched 64 million units every day and it peaks to 80-82 million units in summer. This high rate of consumption forces the KSEB to buy power from neighbouring states. The state government has already given a clear indication to the Board that it need not incur more financial liabilities in its efforts to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Hence, it is our duty to lessen this burden.

Amongst many of the things learnt during elementary schooling, water and electricity conservation is paramount and it has become the need of the hour. Switching to LED lights will go a long way in reducing power consumption. LEDs are extremely energy efficient and consume up to 90% less power than incandescent bulbs. They emit more lumens per watt than the ordinary incandescent bulbs.

The session, held on October 28, ended with refreshments and the standard NSS three-cheer clap.