Kochi: Once the ‘Nilavu’ project to change all street lights into LED bulbs is implemented in the state, the local bodies will be able to save Rs 700 crore within 7 years. This amount can be saved in the electricity charge of street lights. At present, the electricity bill is paid by the local bodies.

About Rs 168 crore is the average expense annually in this category. After LED bulbs are used, this can be reduced to Rs 50 crore. The first phase of ‘Nilavu’ will start in January. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has approached the State Electricity Regulatory Commission seeking permission for this project.

There are 16.24 lakh street lights in Kerala. About 35 percent of them were changed to LED bulbs under the initiative of local bodies. The remaining 10.50 lakh street lights are yet to be changed to LED. One street light costs Rs 2000-2500. The estimate expense for the project is about Rs 250 crore.

‘Nilavu’ project will be implemented by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited under the central government. In the first phase, 500 street lights in each local body will be changed by March. The second and third phases will be completed between April and December.

The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) will provide 80 percent of estimate amount in advance. The remaining amount will be cut from the budget share of the local bodies. The KSEB is in charge of implementing the project. They will purchase the LED bulbs and other equipment through EESL with a warranty of 7 years.