Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency:
Hyderabad, January 21: Following the resounding Success of the Standard & Labeling (S&L) program, the Union Ministry of Power-led Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) GOI has urged Consumers across the Country to make informed choices by opting for Star-rated Energy Efficiency Appliances, promoting sustainable living, conserving energy, reducing electricity bills and ultimately contributing to the planet's well-being.
BEE has also directed all State Designated Agencies (SDAs) to play a pivotal role in implementing the Standard & Labeling (S&L) program, ensuring compliance, and fostering a sustainable, energy-efficient future for the nation.
The visionary S&L program, introduced in 2006, aims to enlighten consumers about the energy and cost-saving potential of various appliances and equipment.
The S&L program transcends bureaucratic machinery; it is a meticulous framework establishing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for appliances and equipment, rated on a 1 to 5-star scale, where 5 stars signify the pinnacle of energy efficiency. Covering 34 appliances, including 11 mandatory and 19 voluntary categories, the program serves as a linchpin in fostering a culture of informed consumer choices without compromising service quality and Service Standards.
Objectives and Impact:
The S&L program has been a resounding success, saving 109 billion units of electricity and avoiding 88 million tonnes of CO2 emissions since its inception in 2006-2019. The primary objective is to reduce end-use energy consumption without sacrificing service levels. Moreover, the program aims to cultivate consumer awareness, encouraging thoughtful decisions based on both cost-effectiveness and energy performance. It functions as a sentinel, monitoring and verifying annual energy savings through the adoption of energy-efficient appliances while ensuring uncompromised product quality.
The impact of this initiative is monumental, considering the significant electricity consumption of appliances in households and commercial establishments. With the demand for electrical energy escalating annually, the S&L program acts as a catalyst for market transformation, promoting the use of high-efficiency products. Notably, during 2020-21, a staggering 56 billion units of electricity were saved, resulting in over Rs. 30,000 crore in savings, accompanied by a substantial reduction of approximately 46 million tonnes in CO2 emissions.
The BEE has requested the esteemed consumers across the country to go for star rated appliances to save energy, reduce electricity bills and protect environment.
BEE's direction to State Designated Agencies (SDAs):
Recognizing the pivotal role of SDAs in implementing the S&L program, BEE urges them to appoint inspecting officers for market surveillance, ensuring compliance with energy performance standards. Their responsibilities encompass conducting periodic market surveys, submitting reports to BEE, and initiating adjudication processes in case of non-compliance.
In a fervent appeal, Abhay Bakre, the Director General of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), calls upon SDAs to be the vanguards of change in the effective implementation of the S&L program. Bakre emphasizes the pivotal role of SDAs in appointing inspecting officers and conducting thorough market surveillance to ensure compliance with energy performance standards. He underscores the significance of embracing star-rated appliances, suggested SDAs to lead the charge in fostering a sustainable and energy-efficient future for our nation.
To bolster compliance, SDAs are entrusted with providing guidance to inspectors, organizing regular training sessions for manufacturers and retailers, and maintaining a list of authorized distributors. The BEE Star Label, a symbol synonymous with energy efficiency, acts as a beacon for consumers navigating the sea of choices.
BEE has called upon proactive states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and several States / UTs to take a lead role in promoting energy efficiency among the public. BEE pledges full support to those states, recognizing the need for sustainable energy efficiency, especially amid the increasing energy demand in the domestic sector.
The DG. BEE appreciated the efforts of EESL a JV. of Central PSUs.. under MOP for scaling up of Energy efficiency through UJALA Scheme in the Country.
BEE's Vigilance and Future Projections:
BEE rigorously tests labeled products in accredited labs, taking swift action on non-compliance. Evolving to include more appliances and periodic MEPS revisions, the program aims to further save energy and reduce emissions, showcasing India's dedication to a greener, more energy-efficient future.
The DG has also reviewed the impact of Star Rated EE appliances with Sr. Executives of BEE Ashok Kumar, Millind Deora, Sourb Didi, Khandhare, SK. Varma, Arijit Sen, Sameer Pandit, Samal, Kamran Shaik, Abhisekh Sarma, etc.
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