KOCHI: BA Shah Jahan(Shaji) has pioneered a cost-effective solution to soaring electricity bills by making energy from cow dung in his own cattle shed at Mulavukad.

Previously paying up to nine thousand rupees to Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), Shaji's innovative system now sees his bill reduced to just one thousand rupees. Since its inception in September 2014, Shaji has shared his expertise with numerous people including actor Jayaram enabling them to generate electricity on their own farms.

Utilizing a simple yet efficient process, five cows' dung is converted into gas, stored in a geo-membrane balloon, and then used to power a generator. The setup, which includes a geo-membrane balloon with a storage capacity of 24 cubic feet, a 5.5 H.P. generator and a gas production tank of 5-meter diameter and 8 feet height, costs approximately 5 lakhs rupees.

With the capacity to generate 8-9 units of electricity per day, this system requires only five units for household consumption, eliminating the need for KSEB approval. Adding five liters of water to one kilogram of dung facilitates efficient gas production with 200 liters of dung yielding ample gas.

Once the generator is started with diesel, it seamlessly transitions to running on gas providing a reliable source of electricity. Shaji's wife Rajitha assists in the operation, while his son Rahulsha and daughter-in-law Gopika offer full support to the endeavour.

This sustainable solution not only addresses high electricity costs but also aids in milk preservation during power outages with 75 liters of milk being sold daily in packets.