BENGALURU : A new energy efficiency policy 2022-27 notified by the state government envisages large-scale reform, including a 22% cut in power consumption across the five major sectors – domestic, commercial, industries, agriculture and municipal street lighting and public water works. The policy was notified on February 28.
The policy recommends a rebate for domestic consumers who use renewable energy for heating purposes. It suggests a rebate of 50 paise per unit to a maximum of Rs 50 per month for those who install solar water heaters.
The policy also suggests the government replace incandescent lamps with LED bulbs, besides changing air conditioners, refrigerators, and television sets in households to four or five-star labelled appliances.
For the industrial sector, the largest energy consumer, the policy recommends the adoption of perform-achievetrade, an innovative, marketbased trading scheme aimed at improving energy efficiency. Industries will have to reduce energy consumption within a specific period (three years) or face penalties mandated by the government. Industrial units must implement and maintain certified energy management systems in accordance with ISO 50001 standards.
In the commercial sector, the policy encourages adoption of rooftop PV to explore renewable energy storage options instead of DG sets. For the agriculture sector, it advocates the use of innovative irrigation pump sets. Farmers should have complete access so that they can start/stop pump sets at the tap of a screen.
“Use of a smart control panel that has a SIM card and a smart meter which will enable a farmer to switch on/ off these pumps through his mobile and sitting in the comfort of his home will help reduce energy consumption,” reads the policy.
In the municipal sector, the policy seeks drastic measures including imposing penalties on the local bodies and conducting an energy audit across all departments and municipal authorities.
V Sunil Kumar, energy minister, told TOI the policy has only been notified and the government is yet to take a look at measures which can be implemented. “We are yet to assess realistic possibilities from the policy and discussions are in the preliminary stage,” said Kumar.
When asked about the rebate, Kumar said the cabinet is yet to take a call on the issue.
