Recently, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) arranged an exclusive National conclave on energy efficiency with a spotlight on the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The conclave was graced by the presence of MSME entrepreneurs, industry affiliations, technology and service providers, and sectoral energy specialists.
Conclave’s Objectives and Highlights
The primary objective of the conclave was to discover new sustainable and green initiatives that can aid MSMEs in achieving higher growth. The focus was also given to key issues like technical and financial capabilities of MSMEs, capacity building, and awareness programmes.
There were several highlights during the inaugural session, one of them being the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the development commissioner of MSME and the director-general of the BEE. The objective of this MoU was to develop a long-term roadmap for improving energy efficiency and securing energy needs for the MSME sector through a concentrated intervention.
Launch of SIDHIEE
A crucial aspect of the event was the launch of a knowledge management portal named SIDHIEE. This inventive portal aims to provide useful information, including tutorial videos, for early adoption of energy-efficient technologies by the MSMEs.
New Power Tariff Policy
In accordance with the proposed new power tariff policy, the emphasis is planned on making electricity prices rational for the MSMEs and reducing the burden of cross-subsidies for them. This initiative could potentially lower the MSMEs’ power bills, which would make them more competitive in the international market.
Adopting best practices and efficient energy initiatives can assist in reducing the nation’s energy demands and strengthening its energy security needs.
The proposed amendments to the National tariff policy of 2016 focus on the provisions related to Generation, Transmission, and Distribution of electricity. The goal is to provide a 24×7 uninterrupted power supply at affordable rates to all consumers.
| Focus Points of the New Power Tariff Policy |
|---|
| Simplification of tariff categories |
| Rationalization of retail tariffs |
| Removing barriers like cross-subsidy surcharges and undesirable duties on open access sales for the industrial and other bulk power consumers |
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
The BEE, a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has the primary objective of reducing the energy intensity of the Indian economy. It coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies, and other organizations to identify and utilize the existing resources and infrastructure. These coordinated efforts aid in fulfilling the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.