annual report 1994-95 ministry of power

7. ENERGY CONSERVATION
(i) India’s per capita commercial energy
consumption is one of the lowest compared
to not only the developed countries but among
the developing countries as well. The demand
for energy will continue to grow very rapidly
with the increasing growth in GDP and
population. The development strategy till
recently has been biased towards the
augmentation of production/capacity of
energy sources. However, this strategy has
led to widening of gap between demand and
supply of energy. This gap can be bridged to
a large extent by simultaneous emphasis on
the efficient use of energy at the user’s end.
(ii) Before liberalization of the economy, energy
security and minimizing energy imports were
the main factors responsible for taking up
energy conservation activities. With
liberalisation of the economy improving
competitiveness through minimising energy
costs, better returns on investment and
limiting adverse environmental impact of
energy production have also become
important for energy conservation activities.
(iii) A number of organisations are working in the
country towards achieving energy
conservation. However, their efforts are
fragmented and need to be coordinated for
achieving large scale energy savings. With
this in view, the Government had set up an
Energy Conservation Cell in the Ministry of
Power in 1985 to formulate policy, to design
the energy management programme and to
ensure effective coordination between the
various ministries and other entities. The
Energy Management Centre is the executive
agency under this policy function, designed
to implement and monitor the energy
conservation programmes and to provide
policy guidance and advise on energy
efficiency.
(iv) The energy conservation measures initiated
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by the Ministry of Power with the Energy
Management Centre, acting as its Executive
Agency has resulted in development of a
network of Energy Management Advisory
Service Centres through Lead Agencies to
undertake energy audit services in the country.
General awareness on Energy Conservation
through information, dissemination and
promotional campaigns has been achieved.
Various Energy audit programmes taken up
by these agencies and other studies have
shown considerable energy saving potential.
This potential can be realized by adopting low
cost house keeping and minor process/
technological improvement measures. The
payback period for such measure ranges from
a few months to a maximum of 3 to 4 years.
Studies have also been undertaken to evaluate
specific technical and policy options. Steps
have been taken for training of professionals
to create capable energy managers and
auditors and to educate consumers through
publicity campaigns.
(v) Awareness campaigns have led to create
public awareness on the need to conserve
energy countrywide. TV, Radio and Press
have been widely used as the media for
publicising Energy Conservation message.
Hoardings conveying messages of energy
conservation have also been displayed in
important metros besides Kiosks and Bus Panels.
Brochures and Literature bearing messages of
Energy Conservation relating domestic and
Industrial Sectors have also been printed and
widely circulated.
7.1 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN
ENERGY CONSERVATION
(i) Ministry of Power has implemented the
following Energy Conservation projects in
cooperation with International agencies :
- India-UNDP Project on Energy Audits in
Selected Areas.
- India-EC Bus Programme.
- TCDC Working Groups (ESCAP)