• India observes December 14 as National Energy Conservation Day.

• The day serves as a reminder of the vital role energy plays in our lives and the urgency of conserving it.

• Introduced in 1991, this day is championed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, symbolising the nation’s commitment to energy efficiency and conservation.

• Energy conservation, at its core, is about reducing unnecessary energy usage by promoting efficient practices and technologies.

• It is a collective responsibility that requires integrating energy-conscious behaviour into our daily routines. By doing so, we not only save resources for future generations but also contribute to reducing environmental degradation.

• Energy efficiency stands as a cornerstone of sustainable development, weaving together the threads of progress and environmental stewardship. 

• India has reached a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey, with the country’s total renewable energy capacity crossing the 200 GW (gigawatt) mark.

• According to the Central Electricity Authority, the total renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity now stands at 201.45 GW. 

Govt’s initiatives for energy conservation

There are many initiatives that underscore the government’s commitment to energy conservation, efficiency, and transitioning towards a greener energy future.

1) Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme

The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme is a mechanism designed to achieve energy reduction in energy intensive industries and it is designed on the concept of reduction in Specific Energy Consumption (SEC). The programme has saved energy worth Rs 55,000 crore annually and about 110 million tonnes of CO2 emissions have been avoided.

2) Standard and Labelling (S&L) Programme

The Standards and Labelling (S&L) Program is one of the major thrust areas of BEE. This programme was launched with the key objective of providing consumers an informed choice about the energy and cost saving potential of the labelled appliances/equipment being sold commercially. The S&L programme covers the star labelling for 38 appliances, out of which 16 appliances are under mandatory regime and remaining 22 appliances are under voluntary phase.

3) Go Electric Campaign

The Ministry of Power launched the “Go Electric” campaign on February 19, 2021. The objective of this campaign is to create awareness among masses about benefits of switching over to electric vehicles (EVs), including various initiatives taken by Centre and state governments to enhance acceptability of electric vehicles and electrical cooking.

4) EV Yatra web portal and mobile app

BEE launched ‘EV Yatra’ web portal and mobile app on December 14, 2022 with the objective of creating awareness among the EV users and masses at large to promote e-mobility in the country. The portal has been developed to evolve as a national online database of operational public EV charging stations, in the country wherein EV users can check availability of the nearest compatible EV charger for complaint with their electric vehicles in addition to other services.

5) Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for ALL (UJALA)

The Prime Minister launched Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LED for All (UJALA) programme on January 5, 2015. Under the UJALA scheme, LED bulbs, LED tube lights and energy efficient fans are being sold to domestic consumers for replacement of conventional and inefficient variants. Across India, 36.87 crore LED bulbs and 72 lakh LED tube lights have been distributed by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL). As per data from lighting industry, approximately 382 crore LED bulbs and 151 crore LED tube lights have been sold by the private industry, in addition to the bulbs and tube lights distributed by EESL. This has resulted in estimated energy savings of 176.2 billion kWh per year, Greenhouse gas emission reduction of 125 million tonnes CO2 per year and estimated annual monetary savings of Rs 70,477 crore in consumer electricity bills.

6) Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP)

The Prime Minister launched the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) on January 5, 2015 to replace conventional street lights with smart and energy efficient LED street lights across India. Till date, EESL has installed over 1.30 crore LED street lights in Urban Local Bodies and Gram Panchayats across India. This has resulted in estimated energy savings of 8.76 billion kWh per year with avoided peak demand of 1,459 MW, greenhouse gas emission reduction of 6.03 million tonnes CO2 per year and estimated annual monetary savings of Rs 6,130 crore in electricity bills of municipalities.

7) Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)

Presently, around 33 per cent of the total electricity consumption is in the  commercial and residential category of consumers. As per the 20th Electric Power Survey Report, prepared by Central Electricity Authority, the combined consumption of electricity in the commercial and residential category of consumers is estimated to be around 40 cent of the total electricity consumption by the year 2031-32. 

The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 provides the framework for publishing Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC). These building energy codes have been adopted as a regulatory measure for ushering energy efficiency in the building sector.

Updated version of ECBC was launched in 2017, as the step towards promoting energy efficiency in the commercial building sector. The ECBC sets minimum energy performance standards for new commercial buildings having a connected load of 100 kW or more, or contract demand of 120 kVA or more. While the central government has powers under the EC Act to publish ECBC, the state governments have the flexibility to modify the code to suit local or regional needs and notify them. As many as 25 states and Union Territories have notified ECBC for implementation in their respective states.

The Ministry of Power launched the ECO Niwas Samhita, an Energy Conservation Building Code for Residential Buildings (ECBC-R) in 2018. After EC Act amendment in December 2022, the code is applicable to all residential buildings having a connected load of 100 kW or more, or contract demand of 120 kVA or more. The implementation of the Code aims to benefit the occupants and the environment by promoting energy efficiency in design and construction of homes, apartments and townships.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency

• The government of India set up the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) on March 1, 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. 

• The mission of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is to assist in developing policies and strategies with a thrust on self-regulation and market principles, within the overall framework of the Energy Conservation Act with the primary objective of reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy. 

• BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies and other organisations and recognises, identifies and utilises the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act. The Energy Conservation Act provides for regulatory and promotional functions.

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