Goa:Frequent power cuts lead to rise in inverter sales

Frequent power cuts lead to rise in inverter sales
Preetu Nair | TNN

Panaji: Frequent power cuts in the state have sent people scrambling to suppliers of inverters, raising sales to 650 per cent as compared to around five years ago.
“There is a huge demand for the appliance as people are increasingly complaining of erratic electricity supply. I have been installing three to four inverters per day this monsoon,” said Vasco Dias of Superlife Battery Agencies, Panaji.
As the state witnesses frequent power cuts, especially at night and with the electricity department officials unable to act instantly to restore power, inverters have become a necessity rather than a luxury. “It is now popular amongst the middle class, for whom an inverter has become indispensable,” said Steve Gomes of Milson Batteries.
According to suppliers, sales of inverters that were just about 200 per year about five years back have risen to more than 1500 in a year, a 650 per cent rise in sales. The highest selling inverter for households
is the 800 VA model that can keep three fans, six tube lights and a television running. This appliance costs approximately Rs 19,000 with a recognised battery brand.
Higher income groups opt for the 2.5 KVA model inverters, which can supply power to 10 fans, 16 tube lights and two televisions. This model costs between Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000.
All inverters can provide backup electricity of up to three hours.
“We have frequent power cuts during the monsoon and use the inverter almost daily. With the failure of the government to provide uninterrupted power supply, we si ply need inverters,” said Anand Madgavkar a resident of Dona Paula.
Added Lucio D’Sa from Ribandar, “I purchased an inverter because of my children. When the lights go out they can’t study. In the monsoon its all the more important to have an inverter.”
“The fear of power failure and uncertainty about when the power supply will be restored has encouraged people to invest in inverters. We sell two to three everyday during monsoon,” reiterated Nikhil Shah of Crown Electronics, Panaji.
“With the growing demand, inverter companies have also come in with sleek and technically advanced appliances that ensure 100 per cent safety,” added Gomes. Cashing in on the rise in interest of inverters, suppliers in Goa are offering free installation and trolleys.
June 17, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition