14th Oct, 2001

India introduces new energy conservation law

04-10-01 India introduced a new energy conservation law banning electrical appliance manufacturers from dumping outdated or energy inefficient products in the market. With President K.R. Narayanan giving his assent to the new energy conservation bill, India is now only the second country in the world to have the progressive legislation.The country, which suffers from massive electricity shortfalls, has adopted several steps to become more energy efficient. "The act envisages setting up a bureau of energy efficiency that will introduce stringent energy conservation norms with a view to wipe out substandard appliances from the market," a government statement said."The law has come into force with immediate effect except the penalty part that has been kept in abeyance for five years in which people would be made aware of the economics and efficacy of conservation of power," it added. Indian Power Minister Suresh Prabhu will head the energy efficiency bureau.

Meanwhile the government said India's existing energy management centre would merge its assets, liabilities and employees with the new bureau. In August this year, a new electricity bill was introduced in parliament to completely overhaul the country's creaky power sector and end the state monopoly of electricity boards.Of India's total generation capacity, nearly a fifth is lost in transmission, distribution and large scale theft. Electric appliance makers, including foreign multinationals, add to India's energy woes by bringing outdated technologies and products to the domestic market.