The study assessed the feasibility of replacing 5 lakh inefficient irrigation pumpsets (IPs) with energy-efficient IP sets across five Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) in Karnataka. Pilot studies revealed that the efficiency of existing IP sets was less than 30%. The efficiency of current energy-efficient IP sets range from 35%-55%, providing huge potential for energy-savings on replacement. By replacing 5 lakh IP sets, GoK could save about INR 900 crore from subsidy outlays every year. The project shows an attractive payback period of three years, in spite of the cost of replacement being about INR 2,500 crore. Based on the findings of the study, CSTEP suggests a step-by-step implementable roadmap for the project including AgDSM measures that can be adopted by ESCOMs.
