National Energy Conservation Day, celebrated annually on December 14, serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role energy efficiency plays in fostering sustainable development. In India, this day reflects a shared commitment to conserving energy and adopting eco-friendly practices, paving the way for a greener future.
A History of Dedication to Energy Efficiency
Introduced in 1991, National Energy Conservation Day is spearheaded by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power. This day symbolizes India's dedication to promoting energy efficiency and reducing unnecessary energy usage. By incorporating sustainable habits into daily life, individuals and organizations collectively contribute to conserving resources, reducing environmental degradation, and ensuring a better tomorrow for future generations.
Recognizing Excellence in Energy Conservation
The National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA), a key highlight of the day, honor organizations that have achieved significant energy savings while maintaining or improving operational efficiency. Instituted alongside the establishment of Energy Conservation Day, these awards foster competition and innovation in energy conservation across industries.
The 2024 NECA ceremony, to be held on December 14, will showcase groundbreaking projects that emphasize environmental sustainability. These awards not only celebrate achievements but also inspire industries to adopt energy-efficient technologies and practices.
Milestones in Energy Conservation
India's commitment to energy conservation is evident through several initiatives, as detailed in the Ministry of Power's Annual Report 2023-24:
Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme The PAT scheme aims to reduce specific energy consumption in energy-intensive industries. Since its inception, it has saved energy worth ₹55,000 crore annually and avoided 110 million tons of CO2 emissions.
Standards and Labelling (S&L) Program Launched to educate consumers about energy-efficient appliances, this program currently covers 38 appliances, with 16 under mandatory labeling.
"Go Electric" Campaign Introduced in 2021, this campaign raises awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) and electrical cooking solutions. Complementing this effort, BEE's “EV Yatra” portal and mobile app, launched in 2022, provide users with real-time information on public EV charging stations.
UJALA Program Unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, the UJALA initiative promotes energy-efficient LED bulbs and appliances. To date, over 36.87 crore LED bulbs and 72 lakh LED tube lights have been distributed, leading to annual savings of ₹70,477 crore in electricity bills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 125 million tons.
Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) This initiative has replaced over 1.3 crore conventional streetlights with LED alternatives, resulting in annual energy savings of 8.76 billion kWh and reducing CO2 emissions by 6.03 million tons.
Inspiring a Sustainable Future National Energy Conservation Day encourages industries, institutions, and individuals to take actionable steps toward a sustainable future. By embracing innovative energy-saving technologies and adopting eco-friendly habits, India continues to lead the way in energy conservation, contributing significantly to global environmental sustainability.