Date:30/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/30/stories/2006053022570400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

`Energy should be utilised properly'

Staff Reporter

Seminar on energy efficiency capacity building programme inaugurated

The Union Government to enforce Energy Conservation Act, 2001, in 2007

The State and Central Governments will play the role of regulators as well as facilitators

Bangalore: Bangalore Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised a seminar on "All India Energy Efficiency Capacity Building Programme" here on Monday.

Inaugurating the three-day seminar, Minister of Science and Technology Ramachandra Gowda said consumers should utilise energy properly. "Energy does not mean just electricity, but all forms of resources. Hence the consumers should make the best out of it," he said.

K.C. Mahajan, Energy Specialist, IRG Systems South Asia Pvt. Ltd., said that the Union Government proposed to enforce the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, on February 27, 2007. The State and Central Governments would play the role of regulators as well as facilitators. Recently, the Centre had launched the Standards and Labelling (S&L) programme, which was identified as one of the key activities for energy efficiency improvement. It would ensure that only energy-efficient equipment and appliance were made available to the consumers, he said.

"Initially, the equipment to be covered under the S and L programme will include refrigerators, air-conditioners, water heater, electric motors, agriculture pump sets, electric lamps and fixtures, industrial fans and blowers and air-compressors. Preliminary discussions are already on with the manufacturers on the procedure to fix labels and setting standards for minimum energy consumption," he added.

"By adopting the conservation programme, 311 units in 2005 were able to save Rs. 989 crore. The setting up of additional power plants of 250 MW with an investment of Rs. 1,316 crore could be avoided," Mr. Mahajan said.

Procuring information

Anant Koppar, president of BCIC, said the main objectives of the seminar include procuring information on new technologies and services relevant to the sector, and learning about cost-saving opportunities through energy-efficiency plants and facilities. The energy industry needs to share best practices and gain knowledge from the leaders in the sector.

A new bankable project to qualify funding from IREDA and other financial institutions that fund energy-efficient projects would be part of the seminar, he added.