Frustrated of the prolonged loadshedding, people in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have now adopted alternative sources of energy to generate electricity.
A survey conducted by The Express Tribune in Haleemzai, Michni, Charsadda and other villages of Mohmand Agency revealed that majority of the people use three most popular alternatives to cope with the power woes.
According to the survey, most people use Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS), generators, solar power batteries and even rechargeable fans and lights.
“When I was giving my second year exams, there was no electricity in the village for more than two years so some people moved to Peshawar and Swat,” Farman, a UPS mechanic who lives in Sro Kali area of Shabqadar, said, adding, those who could not afford to, bought generators and UPS.
The introduction of such alternatives in the area has also given way to new employment options for mechanics. Farman also became a UPS mechanic after seeing a rising demand for the use of UPS and other alternatives, he told The Express Tribune.
“An average (12 volt) UPS works for the same duration as it has been charged for. For example, if it is charged for 4 hours, it will work for 4 hours,” said Farman.
The price of locally manufactured UPS was Rs9,000 whereas the Chinese and Indian UPS cost between Rs10, 000 and Rs13, 000. The Indian UPS are of the best quality among these but their parts are difficult to repair, Farman said while talking about the cost and quality of UPS.
“There are three types of batteries: the local ones cost Rs7, 000 whereas new acid ones are for Rs13, 000. These are used in the UPS. The lead acid ones are used in solar panels,” he added.
Another alternative source of electricity which is becoming popular in the area is solar system. People find it cost effective and reliable.
“I use a generator in my clinic but solar system and UPS at home,” said Dr Iftikhar, a dental surgeon. He further told The Express Tribune that solar system and UPS are most inexpensive and do not require much effort in their use, but generators are difficult to maintain and also cause noise and air pollution.
On the use of solar system, Farman commented that it is becoming increasingly popular since it requires solar system unit, batteries and a UPS without any extra charges. “The solar system I have designed can produce electricity in megawatts for the village only if someone is willing to invest in the project,” he said.
Other ways of producing lights and running fans are also being used by people in Shabqadar. These are inexpensive ways of producing electricity through connecting batteries, transformers, motor fans through wires.
“My electricity system only requires batteries and a 12-volt fan that is used in motor cars etc. It is the most economical since it only costs Rs3,000 as well as long-lasting,” said Sajid, who doesn’t use solar systems or UPS.
“This system has an electric panel board, transformer, 12 volt fan and an energy saver bulb with a special bulb holder,” Rashed Khan, another mechanic told The Express Tribune about this system.
These systems are mostly used by those who cannot afford generators, solar systems and even UPS.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 5th, 2012.
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