Is energy efficiency a fad?

Early this week, at a workshop on energy management, speakers noted some of the lacunae in how the country is approaching energy conservation and efficiency. While good intentions from government and its various bodies abound, what is missing is vigilance and follow up.

People would like to reduce energy consumption (if it saves money!) but simply do not know how and also, worse, do not have the time. Awareness is not enough. It is simply not enough to buy a 5-star rated fridge. It will save nothing unless the thermostat settings are right, say experts. Often, products like power savers do not give enough details on what they offer. Besides cashing in on the general climate for energy saving devices, these do nothing.

The bodies involved do not come up with demo projects which are the best proof of the pudding! Or if they do, there is not enough publicity. Awareness of laws and compliance with the same is missing. There is need for an army of service providers who go to the people and educate them and help implement energy saving measures.

Remember India’s ‘national mission on enhanced energy mission’ launched last year. It has opened a cap and trade market worth 15$ bn. Some of the country’s most energy intensive industrial units will be able to cap and trade in energy savings certificates accrued from energy efficiency improvements.

According to an official release, the Mission will enable about Rs 75,000 crore worth of transactions in energy efficiency. In doing so, it will, by 2015, help save about five per cent of the annual energy consumption, and nearly 100 million tonne of carbon dioxide every year.

True, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), through its sustained campaign, has prodded households to go for star-studded certified energy-saving appliances and ensured industries adopt new technologies, helping save electricity worth 1,500 mw in 2008-09, according to a survey by the National Productivity Council. But is it enough given the power crisis facing parts of the nation?

More awareness, tighter codes and stronger financial incentives will have to follow.