The Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy recently published the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22. This unveiling has brought the SEEI into focus in news cycles across India.
About the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI)
The SEEI is a metric developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a legal organization under the Ministry of Power, working in tandem with the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE). The main purpose of the index is to assess the annual advances in energy efficiency made by states and Union Territories (UTs), focusing on energy savings and emission intensity reduction.
The newly updated framework comprising 50 indicators aligns with national objectives. It includes program-specific indexes to determine the results of state-level initiatives towards energy efficiency. Based on the progress and achievements of states concerning energy efficiency application, they get categorized into four divisions: Front Runner, Achiever, Contender, and Aspirant.
Significance of the SEEI
To meet the NDC goals and make a transition to a net-zero economy by 2070, India requires a coordinated effort from central and state governments. This process also calls for judicious resource distribution, policy alignment, and consistent checks on progress. The SEEI plays a crucial role in tracking the growth of states’ and India’s energy footprint. It propels energy efficiency policies and programs at various levels from local to state.
SEEI 2021-22: Key Findings
The recent SEEI revealed that Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Telangana fall in the Front Runner Category, scoring more than 60 points. In their respective state groups, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Chandigarh emerged as top performers, with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh showing significant improvement since the previous index. States like Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Punjab found themselves in the Achiever Category, earning 50-60 points.
Recommendations for the States
The SEEI put forth several suggestions for the states, such as developing institutional capacity within states and UTs to address emerging challenges in energy efficiency implementation. It also recommended fostering cross-functional collaborations across financial institutions, energy service companies, and energy professionals to implement energy efficiency on a larger scale in various states. Another important suggestion was to mainstream energy data reporting and monitoring across different sectors.
About the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
The BEE was established on March 1, 2002, under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. Its primary mission is to aid in formulating policies and strategies for energy efficiency aimed at reducing the energy intensity of the Indian economy. As per the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, the BEE has both regulatory and promotional responsibilities. The BEE leverages existing resources and infrastructure to fulfill its functions. By working closely with state governments and utilities, the BEE strives to augment energy efficiency implementation. Their work contributes significantly towards India’s climate commitments and a sustainable future.