In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state, the Kancheepuram post office has begun selling emergency solar lamps to help people in the rural areas face the power crisis and also educate them about saving energy at a time when the state is reeling under severe power shortage.

“The initiative is aimed at educating the rural masses about saving energy and helps them deal with power outages.

The product would benefit the students who are among the worst hit, especially with the board examinations around the corner,” said Mr A. Kesavan, business operations executive, Kancheepuram post office.

The high-range solar lamps are priced at Rs 1,699 while the low-range lamp costs Rs 549. “The lamps sold like hot cakes even before we advertised for them.

Within a day of inauguration, we have sold 120 low-range lamps and 42 high-range lamps,” he added.

According to him, a solar lamp charged for eight hours can work continuously for four hours. “In the absence of sunlight, the lamp can also be charged through electricity,” he added.

The high-range lamp also has the provision to charge mobile phones. Both models are provided with six months guarantee.

Following the success of the scheme in Kancheepuram, the postal department is planning to introduce sales of solar lamps in other district post offices also. “The solar lamps come in handy for students preparing at night for the public exam,” said Ms C. Vijayalakshmi, a customer.

“The solar lamps available at the postal department come with a guarantee unlike those sold by private stores. Further, they are also less expensive,” noted Mr N. Sridhar, another customer.