Empowering India: National Energy Conservation Day

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of sustainable development, weaving together progress and environmental stewardship. In India, this dedication to sustainability is passionately commemorated every year on December 14 as National Energy Conservation Day. This observance serves as a reminder of the importance of adopting sustainable energy practices, transforming it into a driving force for individuals, industries, and institutions alike to embrace energy efficiency and pave the way for a greener future.

Key Highlights of National Energy Conservation Day

• Date of Observance: December 14 every year.
• Organized By: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power.
• Significance: Encourages the adoption of energy-efficient practices to reduce environmental degradation and ensure sustainable use of resources.

Background and Significance

• Introduced in 1991 by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to promote energy conservation.
• Aims to integrate energy-conscious behavior into daily life.
• Focuses on reducing unnecessary energy usage and promoting efficient practices and technologies.
• Highlights the collective responsibility of conserving resources for future generations.

National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA)

• Instituted in 1991, alongside National Energy Conservation Day.
• Recognizes excellence in energy efficiency by honoring industrial units, institutions, and establishments.
• Fosters a spirit of competition and innovation among various sectors to excel in energy conservation.

2024 NECA Highlights

• Awards to be presented during the celebrations on December 14, 2024.
• A platform showcasing impactful projects that enhance energy efficiency.
• Inspires organizations to adopt best practices in energy conservation.

Key Government Initiatives for Energy Conservation

1. Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme

• Aimed at reducing energy consumption in energy-intensive industries.
• Achievements,
• Annual energy savings worth ₹55,000 Crore.
• Avoided 110 million tons of CO2 emissions.

2. Standard and Labelling (S&L) Programme

• Provides consumers with information about energy and cost-saving potential of appliances.
• Coverage,
• 38 appliances under the program.
• 16 appliances under mandatory regime; 22 appliances under voluntary phase.

3. “Go Electric” Campaign

• Launched in 2021 to raise awareness about Electric Vehicles (EVs) and electric cooking.

4. EV Yatra Web Portal and Mobile App

• Launched in 2022 to promote e-mobility by providing information about public EV charging stations.

5. Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA)

• Launched in 2015 to replace inefficient lighting with LED alternatives.
• Achievements
• Distribution of 36.87 Crore LED bulbs and 72 Lakh LED tube lights.
• Annual energy savings of 176.2 billion kWh.
• Reduction of 125 million tons of CO2 emissions.
• Annual savings of ₹70,477 crore in consumer electricity bills.

6. Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP)

• Launched in 2015 to replace conventional streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights.
• Achievements,
• Installation of 1.3 Crore LED streetlights.
• Annual energy savings of 8.76 billion kWh.
• Avoided peak demand of 1,459 MW.
• Reduction of 6.03 million tons of CO2 emissions.

The Road Ahead

• National Energy Conservation Day is a movement aimed at instilling a culture of energy consciousness.
• Focuses on aligning individual actions with national objectives for a sustainable future.
• Encourages adopting sustainable practices and energy efficiency to address environmental challenges.