wiredInUSA July 2019

Overhead cable issues

Rooftop solar project

Image: Etihad Esco

Since the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) took issue with telecom and Internet service providers over data cables in Bengaluru, India, the state government has been working on a new policy to assist all stakeholders. The BBMP, with the help of the police, removed overhead cables in an area occupied by numerous IT companies, deeming the cables illegal. The action affected data connectivity in the IT hub of Whitefield. The new policy will recognize overhead cable, currently banned within BBMP limits, as an option for service providers. Work on drafting the policy started after a meeting of the Urban Development Department (UDD) in May to address issues related to optical fiber cable. The new policy will allow cable operators to lay overhead cables in areas where they are required, such as providing Internet connection to individual houses. “The policy will also clearly define authorized and unauthorized cables,” an official said, adding that government agencies and service providers have often disputed what constitutes “unauthorized” cables.

Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad Esco) has begun the installation of 65,000 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels over the roofs of 5,000 Emirati nationals’ homes in Dubai. The project will also install 295,000 LED lights and 50,000 water savers. The installation of solar PVs alone is expected to save 31,102,500kWh of energy. Besides significant energy savings the initiative, scheduled to be completed by November 2019, could lead to a reduction in CO 2 emissions of 21,139 tonnes per year. CEO Ali Al Jassim said: “I am glad that the installation of photovoltaic solar panels … is progressing seamlessly. We consider it our privilege to enhance Dubai’s position as a leading model for energy efficiency”. Etihad Esco aims to create a contracting market for energy service companies by auditing and proposing energy conservation measures to major building contractors and developers.

wiredInUSA - July 2019

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