Policy roadmap and targets for very efficient appliances 

In the 1990s, several studies have estimated the potential and cost effectiveness of energy efficiency and demand side management in India. The 8th Five Year Plan (1992-1997) made a provision of INR 1,000 crores (10 billions) for energy efficiency to provide targeted energy savings of 5,000 MW and 6 Mt in the electricity and petroleum sectors respectively. However, there is no clear quantification of the actual costs and savings achieved (Planning Commission, 2006). The 9th Five Year Plan (1997-2002) proposed the passing of the EC Act and the setting up of the BEE.

The EC Act 2001 provides the legal framework for promoting energy conservation and energy efficiency activities which include:

• Standards and Labels for Appliances & Equipment
• Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for commercial buildings
• Energy Consumption norms for energy intensive industries
• Demand Side Management programme for existing building, Streetlights, agricultural pumping and Small and medium-sized enterprises
• Certification of Energy Auditors and Managers

Through the provisions in this Act, Institutional arrangements at central and state level (BEE at central level and SDAs at state level) for regulatory oversight were created.

International co-operation

• Canada

Following areas have been proposed for cooperation in area of energy efficiency by Working Group-2 on Electricity, Renewable & Energy Efficiency constituted under the Indo-Canada Bilateral on energy:

• Energy Analysis, Simulation tools in Small & Medium Enterprises, Building and Municipalities.
• Rating, Standards and monitoring tool to indicate energy and environmental performance of small and medium Enterprises.
• Combustion and other potential technologies in the Small and medium enterprises and large Industries.
• Cost effective energy efficient building practices, retrofit measures.
• Guidelines on development of energy efficient standards for residential buildings
• Training programme for Small and Medium Enterprises, Buildings, Municipal, developing industrial benchmarks.
• Exchange of Technical experts and best practices from green Energy Act and Green Municipal Fund being implemented in Canada on Street and Public Lighting Area Lighting Waste and Water Management.

• China

Indian and Chinese side are to cooperate in the field of energy efficiency in the following areas:

• Cooperation in enhancing energy efficiency in Industries.
• Implementation of energy efficiency projects through ESCOs.
• Energy Management System (ISO50001).

• Germany

The Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF) was established in April, 2006 to intensify the Indo-German ties to promote dialogue and cooperation with involvement of public and private sector in the areas of energy security, energy efficiency, renewable energy, investment in energy projects and collaborative Research & Development.

Indo-German Energy Programme (IGEN): The main focus of the programme is on support for implementation of the Energy Conservation Act. The Act involves interventions in many different areas, such as energy-intensive industries, manufacturers of household appliances and industrial equipment, residential households, consulting firms and power stations. The programme was expanded in 2010 to include the renewable energy component, in which GIZ is collaborating with the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to promote renewables in rural areas. Here, the focus is on developing business models and supporting energy schemes and programmes (GIZ, 2016). 
Assessment of Energy Performance of Buildings: Promotional Programme for Energy Efficient New Residential Housing in India by NHB and KfW Incentivising Energy Efficiency in New Residential Buildings through concessional loans (Wypior, 2013)

• Japan

A high Level Indo – Japan Energy Dialogue to promote cooperation in energy sector in a comprehensive manner was established.as an outcome of the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Japan in December 2006.

Energy Efficiency is a key component of the Dialogue. BEE and Energy Conservation Centre for Japan are implementing agencies from the two countries. Several working groups with chairs from Japanese side and Indian side have been constituted to take the dialogue forward. Under the aegis of Indo-Japan Energy Dialogue, meeting of Energy Efficiency Working Group was held on 2nd September 2013 under the chairmanship of Joint Secretary Energy Conservation, and Ministry of Power. The purpose of the meeting was to identify the key areas of cooperation for Energy Efficiency and Conservation between the two countries.

• Russia

BEE and Russian Energy Agency are to cooperate in the following areas:

• Exchange of experience in the field of energy management, energy audits and energy services.
• Organization of conferences and seminars concerning issues on developing of energy efficiency, energy saving, RES and innovations.
• Technical assistance to the energy efficiency projects.
• Exchange of delegations.

• Switzerland

The bilateral with Switzerland for enhancing the energy efficiency in buildings encompasses the following areas:

• Development of integrated design charrettes.
• Technical assistance in developing building material testing infrastructure.
• Design guidelines and tools for the design of energy-efficient residential and public buildings.
• Production and dissemination of knowledge product.

Indo-Swiss Building Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP): BEEP is a bilateral cooperation project between the Ministry of Power (MoP), Government of India and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) of the Swiss Confederation. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the implementing agency on behalf of the MoP while the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is the agency in charge on behalf of the FDFA the objective of the project is to reduce energy consumption in new commercial buildings and to disseminate best practices for the construction of low energy residential and public buildings (beepindia.org, 2016).

• USA

BEE is the part of Power and Energy Efficiency Working Group of the U.S.-India Energy Dialogue. India and U.S launched the Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE) in November 2009, as part of the U.S.-India Energy Dialogue. As part of the PACE initiative, the U.S. agencies work closely with the Government of India to accelerate the transition to high-performing, low-emission, and energy secure economies.

Energy Conservation and Commercialization (ECO) Project: Government of India (GOI) and the United States in January 2000 signed a bilateral project agreement with the objective to enhance commercial viability and performance of the Indian energy sector as well as to promote utilization of clean and energy-efficient technologies in the sector. ECO phase I (ECO-I) helped India set up the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to enforce the country’s Energy Conservation Act of 2001. ECO-II helped agencies in a few targeted states develop energy conservation strategies and test new approaches through pilot projects. It also contributed to the establishment of India’s first energy efficiency (EE) codes for buildings. The third phase, ECO-III which started October 2006, is helping BEE implement the Energy Conservation Building Codes (ECBC) in Gujarat and Punjab, with an overall focus on improving energy efficiency in the building sector, developing capacity of states to implement energy efficiency programs, and establishing energy efficiency centers and institutions. (ECO3.org, 2016).

• International Multilateral Programmes

International Energy Agency (IEA): The IEA is an autonomous organisation, which works to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its 29 member countries and beyond. The IEA has four main areas of focus: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness and engagement worldwide.

Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN): The GBPN was founded in 2010 with the mandate to advance knowledge and expertise globally on building energy performance and the structure it is a globally organised and regionally focused non-profit organisation whose mission is to provide policy expertise and technical assistance to advance building energy performance and realise sustainable built environments for all. The GBPN’s goal is to contribute to the building sector achieving its full energy savings and CO₂ mitigation potential of more than 2.1 Gt by 2030. 

In India GBPN has been working to develop a project, focusing on the development of simple to implement thermal-comfort based design guidelines for urban multi-family buildings, calculating the energy and carbon emissions savings potential from energy efficiency in multi-family residential buildings, and developing a policy strategy and guidelines for providing low-energy thermal comfort in new urban residential buildings.

Small Grants Programme (GEF UNDP/SGP): Small Grants Programme (GEF UNDP/SGP) is funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF). The corporate program of the GEF is executed by the United Nation Development Program (UNDP), on behalf of the GEF partnership. In India the program is hosted through the National Host Institution (NHI) i.e., Centre for Environment Education (CEE). The programme is being implemented under a full scale project of the GEF by Ministry of Environment & Forest, (MoEF) Government of India (GoI) and executed through the United Nation Development Program (UNDP).

Small Grants Programme provides grants to organizations for activities that address local problems with Global effects and offer solutions in areas of Biodiversity, Climate Change, International Waters, Land Degradation, Persistent Organic pollutants. (Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, 2016).

International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC): The IPEEC promotes energy efficiency worldwide by exchanging information related to energy efficiency, developing partnerships between energy efficiency actors and supporting energy efficient initiatives.

Energy agencies 

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
The Government of India set up the 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. BEE coordinates with 'designated consumers', 'designated agencies' and other organizations for implementing energy efficiency measures. It also recognizes, identifies and utilizes the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act. The agency has the following objectives:

• To exert leadership and provide policy framework and direction to national energy conservation and efficiency efforts and programmes.
• To coordinate energy efficiency and conservation policies and programmes and take it to the stakeholders
• To establish systems and procedures to measure, monitor and verify energy efficiency results in individual sectors as well as at a macro level.
• To leverage multi-lateral and bi-lateral and private sector support in implementation of EC Act and efficient use of energy and its conservation programmes.
• To demonstrate delivery of energy efficiency services as mandated in the EC Act through private-public partnerships.
• To interpret, plan and manage EC programmes as envisaged in the EC Act.

State Designated Agencies (SDAs)SDAs have been notified by the State Governments under section 15 (d) of the EC Act, 2001 by assigning additional responsibilities to the existing departments. 33 SDAs have been notified under EC Act. In addition to this, Jammu & Kashmir has enacted legislation in line with EC Act and established an agency. Thus a total of 34 SDAs are created. The major roles and responsibilities of SDA include coordinating, regulating and enforcing the various provisions of the EC Act at the State level.

Out of 34 SDAs, 15 are State Renewable Energy Development Agencies, 9 are Power Department of State Governments, 6 are Electrical Inspectorate offices, 3 are Distribution Companies and 1 is a “stand-alone” SDA.

One of the responsibilities of BEE is to operationalize EC Act by strengthening institutional capacity of “State Designated Agencies”: The scheme seeks to build institutional capacity of the newly created SDAs to perform their regulatory, enforcement and facilitative functions in the respective States.

Energy efficiency funds 

Energy Efficiency Financing Platform EEFP
EEFP allows for the creation of mechanisms that would help finance demand side management programmes in all sectors by capturing future energy savings. Under the Framework for Energy Efficient Economic Development, BEE proposes to launch two fiscal instruments to promote energy efficiency - the “Partial Risk Guarantee Fund for Energy Efficiency” and “Venture Capital Fund for Energy Efficiency”. In an effort to facilitate EEFP, BEE has signed memorandum of understanding with. Power Trading Corporation of India Limited (PTC India Ltd), Small Industrial Development Bank Of India (SIDBI) and HSBC Bank. PTC India Ltd. has commenced financing of several building energy efficiency projects such as in Rashtrapati Bhavan Estate, ESIC Hospitals at Rohini and East Delhi, All India Institue of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Safdarjung Hospital. Similarly, SIDBI has taken up project preparation of energy efficiency projects in 25 SME clusters, which will then be offered financing.

Furthermore, during 12th five year plan (2012-2017), the following 3 sub-schemes are being approved for supporting State Designated Agencies:

Providing financial assistance to the State Designated Agencies to strengthen their institutional capacities and capabilities

Assistance to SDAs is broadly divided into four components namely: 

• Demonstration projects to showcase the effectiveness of the most energy efficient technology including LED Village Campaign
• Institutionalization of enforcement machinery at the state level programmes
• Manpower support for smooth coordination
• Regulate and enforce energy efficiency in the States and dissemination of knowledge to various stakeholders through workshops, training programmes, impact analysis, publicity / awareness, maintenance of internet platform etc.

Contribution to State Energy Conservation Fund (SECF)

Clause 16 (1) of the EC Act 2001 requires State Governments / Union Territory administrations to constitute a fund called SECF for the purpose of promotion of efficient use of energy and its conservation within the State. In this context, a scheme titled Contribution to State Energy Conservation Fund (SECF) was approved by the Government of India during the 11th plan with an outlay of INR 66 crores (approximately EUR 8.82 millions) and is continued during the 12th plan with a budget outlay of INR 50 crores (approximately EUR 6.68 millions). Till date, 26 states have constituted SECF out of which about 16 states have also provided matching contribution. However, there is no obligation on the state government to provide a matching contribution.

Human Resource Development for Promoting Energy Efficiency

The outlay approved for this sub scheme is INR 20 crores (approximately EUR 2.67 millions). Out of this, an amount of INR 15 crores (approximately EUR 2 millions) is for the theory cum practice oriented training programme and INR 5 crores (approximately EUR 0.67 millions) is for Energy Audit Instrument Support.

Government agencies and budget

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Budget: The corpus Fund of INR 50 crore (approximately EUR 6.68 millions) received from the Ministry of Power has been used for the establishment of Central Energy Conservation Fund under Section 20 of the EC Act, 2001. This Corpus Fund of INR 50 crore has been invested with National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) with the approval of Governing Council in the form of Secured, Non-Convertible, Non-Cumulative Redeemable Taxable NTPC Bonds of 10 lakhs (approximately EUR 13,360 million) each (Series XVII) for 20 years w.e.f. 1st May, 2003 stipulating inter-alia payment of INR 4.42 crore (approximately EUR 0.59 Millions) per annum as interest. The interest is being utilized to meet the recurring and non-recurring expenditure of the BEE and no fresh infusion of funds from Government was made during the year. Further, the Bureau also earns from the fee charged from the candidates for the National Certification Examination for Energy Managers & Energy Auditors. The surplus of income over expenditure is transferred to the Corpus Fund (Bureau of Energy Efficiency, n.d.).

Energy codes

Energy Conservation Buildings Code of India (ECBC)

The ECBC was developed by the government of India for new commercial buildings on 27th May 2007. ECBC sets minimum energy standards for commercial buildings having a connected load of 100kW or contract demand of 120 KVA and above.

The ECBC defines norms of energy performance and takes into consideration the climatic regions of the country where the building is located. The major components of the building which are being addressed through the code are:

• Envelope (walls, roofs, windows)
• Lighting systems
• HVAC System
• Water heating and pumping system
• Electrical Power System

While the ECBC has been developed by BEE, its enforcement lies with the State governments and urban local bodies through notification within their states. Once the policy is notified in the gazette it becomes mandatory. States of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telenganaand UT of Puducherry have notified the code while many other states are in the process of amending the ECBC to suit their local requirements.

Complementing the efforts of the Government of India, the ECBC have been integrated in other rating & compliance systems being followed in the country such as EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) for large area development under MoEF (Ministry of Environment & Forest), Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) rating system of ADARSH and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) rating system of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

Minimum energy performance standards 

MEPS for appliances

The key objectives of the Standards and Labeling Programme (S&L) is to define maximum threshold levels of energy consumption by different appliances and to provide an informed choice the consumers about the potential energy savings obtained by using various energy efficient equipment/appliances.

The Standards and Labelling scheme covers 21 equipment in which 6 equipment were made mandatory and 15 are covered under voluntary scheme. The S&L scheme targets by the end of 12th plan period, to have 20 equipment under voluntary phase and 7 equipment under mandatory phase (Jose, 2011)

Mandatory energy performance equipment labels 

Standards and Labeling Scheme was one of the standalone schemes initiated during 11th Five year plan (2007-2012). The key objectives of the Standards and Labeling Program is to provide the consumer an informed choice about various energy consuming equipment regarding the energy saving it would result based on the energy efficiency performance. S&L provides guidelines for Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and display labels to disseminate the energy and related information of the particular product.

The scheme includes a voluntary phase to enable market transition towards MEPS compliant products followed by a mandatory phase in which only MEPS compliant products can be sold. Currently, the programme covers 21 appliances and product groups out of which 6 product groups i.e., Frost Free Refrigerator, Tubular Florescent Lamps, Distribution Transformers, Room Air-Conditioners, Colour TV, Direct cool Refrigerators; are already in mandatory compliance phase and 15 product groups are in voluntary compliance phase. The programme strives to include more product groups under its ambit. By the end of 12th plan period (2012-2017), the target is to include 20 product groups under voluntary phase and 7 product groups under mandatory phase. Thus Standards and Labelling Scheme was successfully achieved with the following benefits:

• It created good impact among consumers to purchase energy efficient equipment through a structured consumer awareness programme.
• Market transformation occurred from non-energy efficient products to energy efficient products.
• Resulted an avoided capacity generation of 77,66MW in the 11th plan.
With the continued efforts, BEE is now preparing to move electric water heaters from the voluntary stage to mandatory stage in 12th Plan period (2012-2017).

Voluntary endorsement Labeling scheme

During the 12th Plan period, a voluntary BEE star labelling scheme for DG Sets, Office equipments, Solid state inverters, DG Pumps, Variable capacity air conditioners & LED lamps was successfully launched.
By the end of 12th plan period, it is planned to have 20 equipments under voluntary phase and 7 equipment under mandatory phase. The policy drives the market transformation towards the efficiency improvements by constant reviewing and improvement of benchmark efficiency levels of the appliances.

Provision of targeted information

ECBC Cells 

A project on energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings has been initiated under the UNDP-GEF-BEE programme. This project would assist the implementation and operationalization of the ECBC through a comprehensive and integrated approach with the focus on Capacity Building Scheme through ECBC Cells in SDA /Urban Development Directorate.

Under Capacity Building Scheme, ECBC Cells have been created in the State Designated Agencies. The agencies will be engaged by BEE/UNDP/SDA for an initial duration of at least 12 months. These ECBC Cells shall be created where the states have amended the code to suit their local needs and have made the mandatory to implement in all new commercial buildings. These states are Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.

Energy efficiency in existing school syllabi

BEE is implementing the Students Capacity Building Programme under Energy Conservation awareness scheme for XII five year plan and intends to prepare the text/material on Energy Efficiency and Conservation for its proposed incorporation in the existing science syllabi and science text books of National Council of Education, Research and Training (NCERT) for classes 6th to 10th. The following main activities are under progress:

• Review the existing science syllabi and science text books of NCERT for classes 6th to 10th and assess the need of level of information on energy efficiency and conservation propose to be included.
• Develop separate and exclusive draft text module (English and Hindi version) for energy efficiency and conservation to be included in science syllabi and science text books of NCERT for classes 6th to 10th
• Development of training module (English and Hindi version) and conducting training of teaching staff
• Through this project recommendations will also be made to the National Council of Education, Research and Training (NCERT) to update the science text books of classes 7th to 9th to include relevant chapters on Energy Efficiency in the school syllabus.

Demonstration Projects 

The UNDP-GEF-BEE programme on energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings includes demonstration / pilot projects. The project is intended to assist in the implementation and operationalization of the ECBC through a comprehensive and integrated approach with the focus on:

• Strengthening of the institutional capacities at the various levels to implement the ECBC and other energy efficiency programmes for the commercial buildings
• Developing technical expertise and awareness raising of key partners
• Compliance with ECBC demonstrated in model buildings in five climatic zones of the country 
• Formulating fiscal and regulatory incentives for investors 
• Monitoring and evaluation; knowledge sharing and learning

The BEE is the implementing agency of the project while UNDP and GEF are the supporting agencies
In 2015 a project on 8 demonstration projects was initiated while in 2016 Piloting construction of energy efficient model buildings [one million m² ] under the UNDP-GEF-BEE project intervention is targeted.

Financial incentives 

Bachat Lamp Yojana (BLY) and Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP)

BLY (started in 2009) targets replacement of about 400 million incandescent bulbs in use in the country with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), leading to a possible reduction of 4,000 MW of electricity demand, and a reduction of about 24 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year. The target of DELP is the replacement of approximately 760 million Incandescent lamps (ICLs) currently being used in the country with energy efficient LED lamps.

Both programmes were done through the bulk purchase which resulted in the reduction of the manufacturing cost. The manufacturers have to arrange for the initial finances. The implementation agency EESL passed the funds to the manufacturers by selling the lamps. In BLY the differential cost of manufacturing was financed by leveraging the sale of Certified Emission Rights (CERs) under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol. The implementation agency EESL procure the lamps and the distribution of the efficient lamps is done through the power distribution companies (DISCOMs).

About 29 million CFLs were distributed during XIth five year plan under the purview of BLY scheme and resulted in the avoided generation capacity of 415 MW. Within DELP, 118 millions of LED bulbs have been distributed, which is equivalent to avoided generation capacity of 3,088 MW (EESL, 2014).

Super-Efficient Equipment Programme (SEEP)

The programme aims at driving the market transformation towards super-efficient appliances. The policy targets for the efficiency improvement of 50% in ceiling fans, with sales number of around 30-35 million annually (Chunekar and Singh, 2013). 

The programme is voluntary for manufacturers and will incentivize 5 million super-efficient fans in the first phase over a three year period. The programme will provide financial incentives to manufacturers to cover the incremental cost of producing super efficient fans so that they can sell them at prices comparable to normal appliances. The super-efficient fan will consume 35W as compared to the current market average of 70W. The SEEP in phase 1 is funded through Clean Technology Funds (CTF) with an amount of US$ 50 million, which is administered by world bank. In phase 2 the scheme will be funded by the budgetary allocation of Government of India (GoI).

Financing

In India, commercial banks like the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and ICICI Bank have taken the lead in implementing lines of credit serving as pilots for mass-scaling energy efficiency. These programs were created in response to multilateral aid agencies suggesting the importance of energy efficiency in creating a competitive edge for energy-intensive industries.

National authorities have also taken a leading role in coupling these internationally funded activities with established monitoring and verification protocols, and by designing risk guarantees to reduce perceived risks by lenders. Significant steps have also been taken by creating national agencies such as EESL and BEE, which are in charge of promoting the value of performance contracting and developing a set of measures aimed at growing the market for energy services companies.

Certification of qualified actors

BEE has taken up the challenge of creating a cadre of professionally qualified energy managers and auditors with expertise in energy management, project management, financing and implementation of energy efficiency projects, and policy analysis. BEE has conducted the National Certification Examination, nation-wide, for Energy Managers and Energy Auditors regularly since May 2004 onwards. The country has now 12,228 Certified Energy Managers, out of which 8,536 are also qualified as Certified Energy Auditors, from the previous 15 examinations conducted during 2004-2014.

Energy Efficiency Services Limited, EESL 

The Ministry of Power has set up EESL in order to develop an ESCO industry, it is a Joint Venture of NTPC Limited, PFC, REC and POWERGRID to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects. EESL will work as ESCO, as Consultancy Organization for CDM, Energy Efficiency, as a Resource Centre for capacity building of SDAs, Utilities, financial institutions, etc. EESL will also lead the market-related actions of the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency. It is registered under the companies Act, 1956 on 10th December 2009 and the commencement of business certificate is obtained on 11th February 2010. It will be the first such company exclusively for implementation of energy efficiency in South Asia and amongst a very few such instances in the world. The objectives of EESL are as follows

• To carry out and promote the business of Energy Efficiency and climate change including manufacture and supply of energy efficiency services and products.
• To implement energy efficiency projects for Demand Side Measures including municipal functions, agriculture, public building, lighting etc.
• To implement schemes, programs and policies of central and state governments or its agencies.
• To carry out such other activities as offered by the Central Govt., State Govt., BEE or any other agencies related to the Energy Efficiency and climate change.
• Partner with private ESCO’s and other companies to promote energy efficiency.
• To provide consultancy services in the field of CDM projects, Carbon Markets, Demand Side Management, Energy Efficiency, Climate change and other related areas.
• To identify and impart training to build the capacity of stakeholders.
• To act as a resource centre in the field of Energy Efficiency and take up the activities of Capacity Building Training and other related activities. 

EESL has already made substantial headway in identification and implementation of energy efficiency projects in partnership with some utilities and municipalities.

Bulk purchasing and co-operative procurement

Bachat Lamp Yojna (BLY) and Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP) implementation were based on bulk purchasing which resulted in the reduction of the manufacturing cost. The manufacturers have to arrange for the initial finances, the implementation agency EESL passed the funds to the manufacturers by selling the lamps.

Energy Conservation Awards 

The annual energy conservation awards recognize innovation and achievements in energy conservation by the industries, buildings, zonal railways, and state designated agencies. Manufacturers of BEE star labelled appliances, electricity distribution companies, municipalities aim to raise awareness that energy conservation plays a big part in India’s response to reducing global warming through energy savings. The awards are also recognition of their demonstrated commitment to energy conservation and efficiency. The scheme has motivated industry and other establishment to adopt energy efficiency measures.

39 sub-sectors of Industry, thermal power stations, office buildings, Business Processing and Outsourcing (BPO) buildings (typically 24 X / operated open plan office buildings), hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, zonal railways, railway workshops, railway stations, municipalities, State Designated Agencies and manufacturers of BEE Star labelled appliances/equipment and electricity distribution companies are included in the Awards. 

The responses among the industrial and commercial units have become very encouraging as is evident from the increasing participation level (from 123 in 1999 to 1,010 in 2014). Electrical energy savings in terms of equivalent avoided capacity (MW) per year by the participating units through implementation of energy saving projects.

Painting Competition on Energy Conservation for School Children

The habit of conservation is best introduced and inculcated at the school age. It has been seen that the Children are the best agents of change and in this case we need to equip them with the information and knowledge on energy conservation and create interest among them on this important subject.
In this regard, Ministry of Power has taken an initiative and has been organizing Painting competition on Energy Conservation for students since the year 2005. 

The competition is held in three stages, namely, School, State and National Level since 2005. In order to strengthen the campaign, higher classes of 7th, 8th and 9th standards are also being included from this year onward in addition to existing classes of 4th, 5th and 6th Standards. Students of 4th, 5th& 6th standard students under Category ‘A’ and for 7th, 8th& 9th standard students under Category ‘B’ are eligible to participate in the competition.