Advertisers across the city waste electricity by leaving hoarding lights on

HYDERABAD: The poor management of outdoor lighting is growing to be a drawback to the city.

The International Development Association reported that 13% of residential electricity use in the city is for outdoor lighting, and about 35% of light is wasted by unshielded or poorly aimed outdoor lighting. 

It was recently found that in places like Panjagutta, Khairatabad, Himayat Nagar and LB Nagar, empty hoardings having no display had lights blinking, resulting in wastage of electricity. Activists and social workers are saying that advertisers are wasting state resources.

As power outages are being cut down and uniform distribution of electricity is being ensured by the state government, action must be taken immediately by the authorities, against contractors responsible for keeping the lights on and wasting electricity.

Harish Daga, a techie who advocates civic causes said, “Although electricity bill is footed by advertising agencies, but it is their social responsibility not to waste electricity.”

Srinivas Chary, the executive engineer of GHMC (electrical wing) said that each hoarding has 10 to 15 lights, depending on the size, and consumes 12 units per day. He said that lights increase pollution level by emitting carbon dioxide, hence advertisers should protect the environment.

A top GHMC official said civic agencies ad wing should crack down on such agencies and monitor sensors attached to control illumination.

LEDs help to reduce energy consumption and protect environment. According to experts, motion sensors, timers and dimmers can help to reduce average illumination levels and save more energy as well.

P R Laxman Rao of Kakatiya Energy System said that shielded fixtures can provide same level of illumination on the ground as unshielded ones but with less energy and cost. Unnecessary indoor lighting, particularly in empty office buildings at night, should be turned off.

“Quality lighting design reduces energy use and energy dependence. It also reduces carbon emissions and saves money,” he said.