Energy Conservation 

Introduction -

The National Energy Conservation Act came into force on 1st March 2002. To implement the Act, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has been established by the Government of India in New Delhi. The improvement of energy efficiency in the country is to be achieved through various regulatory and promotional instruments.

The EC Act provides the following: Every State Government may, by notification in consultation with BEE designate the State nodal agency for the implementation of the Act. The State Government will constitute a fund to be called State Energy Conservation Fund, the proceeds of which will be used for implementing the provisions of the Act. The Central Government will also constitute a Central Energy Conservation Fund, from which grants and loans will be given to the state governments for the implementation of the Act.

The Government of Maharashtra has notified the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA), as the designated agency to co-ordinate, regulate and enforce the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act and implement schemes under the said Act within the State. (Notification No. ESA 1002/CR-8192-NRG-5 dated 12 March 2003. This is a significant step forward for MEDA, which as the State nodal agency, now has the additional responsibility of promoting and developing energy efficiency, besides facilitating renewable energy development.

The BEE action plan has identified 10 thrust areas to reduce energy intensity in the Indian economy. These are: Energy Conservation in Industry; Demand-side Management; Standards and Labeling for Electrical Products; Energy Efficiency in Buildings; Energy Conservation Building Codes; Energy Audits and Management Certification; Manuals and Codes; Energy Efficiency Policy Research; Incorporating Renewable Energy in School Education; and Delivery Mechanism for Efficiency Services.