The Hindu Business Line : ‘Energy rating to be made mandatory for appliances from Jan’

Mumbai, Aug. 30 The Government is planning to make energy efficiency certification from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) mandatory from January 2009 for all electrical appliances.

Speaking on the sideline of the India Copper Forum 2008, Mr Ajay Mathur, Director General, BEE, said a notification in this regard would be issued in the next few weeks, before the non-certified electrical appliances goes off the shelf by the end of this year.

“There is not going to be any scarcity or huge rise in prices. In refrigerators, for instance, every company produces both rated and non-rated,” he added.

Moreover, whatever premium (is) paid for certified products can be recovered in one or two years, said Mr Mathur.

Presently, household refrigerators, fluorescent tubelights, air-conditioners, distribution transformers and motors have been included on voluntary basis in the National Energy Labeling Programme launched in 2006. Of total refrigerators produced, 70 per cent are covered under the programme, besides 90 per cent of tubelights and 40 per cent of air-conditioners are now covered by the programme.

The star rating given by BEE on the label of electrical appliances indicates the energy efficiency of the product. Higher the energy consumption, lesser would be the number of stars.

Incentives

Use of energy efficient lighting alone could save close 80 per cent of electricity in a household, whereas energy efficient air-conditioners can save 30 per cent.

The Government is also planning to incentivise companies, which adhere to the standards set by BEE.

Companies that follow the BEE norms are bound to consume less power, thus saving cost for State electricity boards, which purchase power at a huge premium. “We are talking with the electricity regulator whether the cost saved by SEBs can be shared with the companies. Though the regulator has not agreed, we are trying to persuade them,” he said.

Providing tax incentives and non-monetary benefits for energy-friendly companies are also under consideration.

About 400 units participated in the award programme organised in 2007 and have reported over Rs 1,100 crore in annual energy savings, while investing Rs 1,500 crore to improve energy efficiency.

More Stories on : Electrical Goods | Standards & Benchmarks

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
TN clears Rs 9,000-cr investment proposals

Dishman Pharma to invest Rs 500 cr in SEZs

Fireworks to cost 20-25% more this Diwali

Fall in coal prices may ease cement cos’ burden

NZ sees rise in number of Indian students

‘Energy rating to be made mandatory for appliances from Jan’

ISRO arm’s revenue up at Rs 940-cr on satellite launches

Weekly news round up

Spices exports gain in value, volume

Exporters disappointed over duty drawback reduction