Synopsis: Communication For Productivity Letters written to some 7500 Workers / Managers / Union Leaders, following a period of strike / Go slow / Murders (1979 - 1987), at Mumbai factory of Larsen & Toubro Ltd. This direct / open / honest communication led to a remarkable atmosphere of trust between Workers and Management, which, in turn, increased productivity at 3% per year (ave).

22 Oct 1986

To:

Dear Friends              

CONSERVATION OF ELECTRIC POWER

I have  received a  large number  of suggestions on  the above subject.

Keeping  in view  the long  list of  suggestions on  the above issue, I felt it was better to issue this explanatory note.

Out  of  the  above  suggestions,  a  majority  are  regarding general lighting in offices/shops viz-a-viz :

(a)  Switching off lights during lunch timings

(b)  Removing a  certain  number  of tubelights  from  the fittings.

(c)Segregation of light circuits.

Before taking up this issue,  I give below a table which shows the  electric consumption  of  various electrical  appliances, including light fittings :

	Description	Wattage	Consumption per hour	Cost of Energy (Rs. )
1.	.2 ft. tubelight	29 W	0.029 Kwh	0.0348
2.	4 ft. tubelight	52 W	0.052 Kwh	0.0624
3.	Window A.C. Unit	1250 W	1.250 Kwh	1.5000
4.	1 HP Motor	746 W	0.746 Kwh	0.8950
5.	250 W HPMV Lamp	295 W	0.295 Kwh	0.3540
6.	400 W HPMV Lamp	453 W	0.453 Kwh	0.5440
7.	1000 W HPMV Lamp	1098 W	1.098 Kwh	1.3180
8.	250 W HPMV Lamp	324 W	0.324 Kwh	0.3890

From the above  table, it is quite  clear that I No.  of 4 ft. tubelight  consumes  0.052  Kwh  power  in  one  hour  whereas consumption  of other  high  wattage  lamps/workshop machines/ window A.C.  units etc. is very  high in  equivalent period of time considering cost of Kwh unit as Rs.  1.20.

As  regards suggestions  to  switch  off  lights  during lunch timings, tea  breaks, etc., we  would like  to say  that it is the moral duty of all of us to ensure that  lights/fans/window A.C. units etc.  are switched off whenever not required - provided this does not disturb others.  This can be achieved only with the co-operation of one and all.

As regards  other suggestions mentioned  above, we  would like to mention that the lighting  in the offices/shops is designed for general  illumination level when  the electrification work was originally  carried out.   Subsequently, the  layouts, the user, the  requirement might  have changed and, hence,  it may happen that  lighting in some of the  areas may be higher than the minimum  required level.  It may  vary from place to place and from  person  to person  depending upon  the type  of work that is being done by different occupants.

In some  of the office  areas, the  natural light  that may be available  may be  adequate  for  the user  and  the concerned users may  jointly request PEL  Department  to remove unwanted tubelights or starters so as to save electrical consumption.

Since  electrical  saving  in  the  office  lighting areas   is marginal,  any alterations  in  the switches,  cables  and relocation  of fittings  etc. will  be  much more  costlier and, hence, the  same is  not desirable. Nevertheless,it will be worthwhile   to  remove  starters  and/or   tubes  from  such fittings, for which PEL Department  may be contacted.

Suggestions are always  welcome - for, their  basic purpose is to check  on wastage  - big  or small  - and  achieve savings. However, it will  be more beneficial for both  - the suggester and the organisation  - if  ways and  means are  suggested to check on major wastage areas.

May  I, therefore,  request all  the  readers to  come forward with   their  valuable   suggestions   which   can   help  the organisation in saving costly energy wastage!

Regards,

H.C. PAREKH