India: Energy Conservation Act
The Act provides for the legal framework, institutional arrangement and a regulatory mechanism at the Central and State level to embark upon energy efficiency drive in the country. Measures include: pilot phase of programme for energy efficiency in government buildings and prepare action plan for wider dissemination and implementation, development of energy conservation building codes, beginning a Standards and Labeling Program to identify energy efficient appliances and equipment, assisting 5 electric utilities to set up DSM (demand side management) Cell, formulation of energy efficiency codes and standards, introducing educational programs to increase awareness regarding efficient use of energy resources, and the introduction of the Energy Conservation Awards to nationally recognize efforts to reduce energy consumption. It also mandates the setting up of a Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) that will introduce stringent energy conservation norms for energy generation, supply and consumption. The enforcement of penalties stipulated in the Act have been kept in abeyance for five years during which time people would be made aware of the economics and efficacy of the conservation of energy.
Date Implemented: 2001
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: 10th Plan; Power Ministry
http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/planrel/fiveyr/welcome.html, http://powermin.nic.in/actsnotification/energyconservation_act/introduction.htm