Energy Efficiency: Government’s Initiatives

Energy Conservation Building Code 2017

The Central Government in June 2017 launched the Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC 2017). Developed by Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), ECBC 2017 prescribes energy performance standards for new commercial buildings to be constructed across India.

The updated version of ECBC provides current as well as futuristic advancements in building technology to further reduce building energy consumption and promote low-carbon growth. ECBC 2017 sets parameters for builders, designers and architects to integrate renewable energy sources in building design with the inclusion of passive design strategies. The code aims to optimise energy savings with the comfort levels for occupants, and prefers life-cycle cost effectiveness to achieve energy neutrality in commercial buildings.

ECBC 2017 was developed by BEE with technical support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the U.S.-India bilateral Partnership to Advance Clean Energy – Deployment Technical Assistance (PACE-D TA) Program.

Energy Efficient Appliances in Govt Buildings

As a move in the direction of efficient energy use, the Ministry of Finance has issued guidelines for mandatory installation of energy efficient appliances in all Central Government buildings across India.

Building Energy Efficiency Programme

Buildings Energy Efficiency Programme was launched in May, 2017 which is being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).

National LED programme

A programme for promoting use of the most efficient lighting technology at affordable rates was launched in January 2015. The programme includes two components (a) Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LED for All (UJALA) providing LED bulbs to domestic consumers with a target to replace 77 crore incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs and (b) Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) to replace 1.34 crore conventional street lights with smart and energy efficient LED street lights by March 2019.

Initiative to Promote Habitat Energy Efficiency

A new national programme on “Initiative to Promote Habitat Energy Efficiency (I-PHEE)” to improve energy performance of buildings and cities has been launched. It would support enhancement of knowledge and practice to save energy in design, construction and operation of buildings. 105 research proposals were received, out of which 31 have been recommended for funding.

Materials on Energy Storage (MES)

A new programme on the Materials on Energy Storage (MES) to support R&D activities aimed at innovative materials for energy storage, and to build energy storage device with enhanced output for multifunctional applications was launched during the year. Aiming the efficient use and further increase of renewable energy, and demonstrating its value in terms of flexibility in the energy systems are the prime objective of the initiative. 130 proposals were received and 18 were approved for funding.

In addition, the Bureau of Energy Conservation is simultaneously taking up number of programmes for energy conservation including standardisation and labelling of appliances, buildings, passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles, etc.

National Energy Efficient Fan Programme

In order to make country more energy efficient, the National Energy Efficient Fan Programme for Indian households and businesses has been launched by the Ministry of Power. As part of the programme, Energy Efficient Ceiling Fans of5-star rating 50 Watts from leading companies such as Usha and Bajaj) will be provided at Rs 60 a month on EMI basis and Rs. 1250/- on upfront basis.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency

The Government of India set up Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) on 1st March 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, 2001 with the primary objective of reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy. This will be achieved with active participation of all stakeholders, resulting in accelerated and sustained adoption of energy efficiency in all sectors.

Energy Conservation Act

Considering the vast potential of energy savings and benefits of energy efficiency, the Government of India enacted the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 (52 of 2001). The Act provides for the legal framework, institutional arrangement and a regulatory mechanism at the Central and State level to embark upon energy efficiency drive in the country. Five major provisions of EC Act relate to Designated Consumers, Standard and Labelling of Appliances, Energy Conservation Building Codes, Creation of Institutional Set up (BEE) and Establishment of Energy Conservation Fund.

The Energy Conservation Act became effective from 1st March, 2002 and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) operationalized from 1st March, 2002. Energy efficiency institutional practices and programs in India are now mainly being guided through various voluntary and mandatory provisions of the Energy Conservation Act. The EC Act was amended in 2010 and the main amendments of the Act are given below:

• The Central Government may issue the energy savings certificate to the designated consumer whose energy consumption is less than the prescribed norms and standards in accordance with the procedure as may be prescribed.
• The designated consumer whose energy consumption is more than the prescribed norms and standards shall be entitled to purchase the energy savings certificate to comply with the prescribed norms and standards.
• The Central Government may, in consultation with the Bureau, prescribe the value of per metric ton of oil equivalent of energy consumed.
• Commercial buildings which are having a connected load of 100 kW or contract demand of 120 kVA and above come under the purview of Energy Conservation Building (ECBC) under EC Act.