A Study on Zone-Wise Commercial Sector Energy Consumption in Madurai and Salem Cities of Tamil Nadu, India.

Energy, an vital component, is required to perform each and every kind of activity in the Universe and its utilization is depended on the population and economic growth of a country. The present world energy consumption primarily depends on the conventional fuels such as coal, petroleum oils and natural gas. The rapid depletion of these conventional fuels induces a investigation about the existing energy usage, consumption pattern and demand, especially in urban areas for efficient utilization of energy. In this regard, the present study is focused on the above said aspect in Madurai and Salem, the second and fifth largest and most densely populated cities, respectively in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. We have concentrated mainly on zone-wise energy consumers of commercial sector in these two cities. The energy consumption pattern in the commercial sector is found out through questioner survey and the energy demand is calculated. The variations in energy utilization are assessed by using cluster sampling method and the results are discussed. Since the energy demand and environmental deterioration are in rising trend, it is necessary to execute the energy conservation measures and utilize the renewable energy sources not only to overcome the energy demand but also to safe guard the health and wealth of the people reside in the Madurai and Salem cities.