The Indian Government has recently unveiled the ‘State Energy Efficiency Index 2019’, a document that closely tracks the progression of Energy Efficiency (EE) initiatives across states and union territories. This tracking is based on an evaluation of 97 key indicators, focusing on the respective efforts and achievements of these regions in policy and regulation, financing mechanisms, institutional capacity, adoption of energy efficiency measures, and the subsequent energy savings attained. Further, this index integrates both qualitative and quantitative factors, along with results-oriented indicators to study energy efficiency initiatives, programs and outcomes across five distinct sectors – buildings, industry, municipalities, transport, agriculture, and DISCOMs.
About the State Energy Efficiency Index
The inaugural edition of the State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index was launched on August 1, 2018. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is responsible for its development, working jointly with the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE). In the 2019 rendition of the index, new indicators have been added, such as the adoption of Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017 and energy efficiency in MSME clusters.
Data necessary for the index was collected from relevant state departments such as DISCOMs, Urban Development departments and others with assistance from State Designated Agencies (SDAs).
Key Points of Comparison
To facilitate rational comparison, states and UTs are placed into one of four groups based on their total primary energy supply (TPES). This is calculated by aggregating the energy supply needed to meet each state’s actual energy demand across all sectors including electricity, coal, oil, and gas.
| States | Groups |
|---|---|
| Haryana, Kerala, Karnataka | Achiever |
| Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Rajasthan | Aspirant |
According to the index, states fall into one of four categories: ‘Front Runner’, ‘Achiever’, ‘Contender’, or ‘Aspirant’, depending on their efforts and achievements in implementing energy efficiency. The top-performing states for 2019 were Haryana, Kerala and Karnataka, which all fell into the ‘Achiever’ category. Conversely, Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand and Rajasthan recorded the lowest performance, placing them in the ‘Aspirant’ category.
Implications of the State Energy Efficiency Index
The absence of any state in the ‘Front runner’ category suggests that there is substantial room for improvement at the state level in order to realise the potential energy savings from more effective energy efficiency.
The goal of TPES grouping is to allow states to compare their performance and share effective practices within their peer group. The index aims to encourage states to contribute towards national goals on energy security and climate action by facilitating the implementation of EE policies and programs at the state and local levels. It will also serve as a tool to track progress in managing the states’ and India’s energy footprint and to institutionalise the data capture and monitoring of EE activities by the states.
About the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
The BEE functions as a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and plays a crucial role in developing policies and strategies with the central objective of reducing the energy intensity of the Indian economy. Its tasks include coordination with designated consumers, designated agencies, and other organisations to identify and harness the existing resources and infrastructure, thereby effectively performing the functions entrusted to it under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.