Centre mulls action plan for energy conservation

Guwahati, Apr 03 (UNI) To cope with the growing energy requirement, the Union Power Ministry is mulling to prepare an action plan on energy efficiency and conservation specific to the northeastern states.

Speaking to reporters after a workshop-cum-review meeting on 'Promotion of Energy Conservation in NE,' Director of Energy Conservation, Union Ministry of Power, D C Srivastava said to match the current industrial growth, the energy generation should be augmented by 5 to 6 per cent.

''Given the trend of depletion of the non-renewable energy sources, the world is poised for an acute crisis of energy after 50 years,'' he said.

He categorically stated that the wide gap between demand and supply has prevailed in the region for several years. This is due to limited generation in the states and constraints in availing adequate energy from external sources, he said.

At the backdrop of the unprecedented power crisis in the region, representatives of all the northeastern states gave presentations of the power scenario in their respective states during the review meeting.

Representing Asom, Mr Surajit Barua, Chief Electrical Inspector-cum-advisor, Government of Asom and State Designated Agency (SDA), said energy conservation in the state during 2005-06 was 4,218 MU. ''The projected consumption for 2006-07 is 4,745 MU while for 2007-08 is 5,457 MU,'' he added.

Mr Barua pointed out that presently there are no rules and regulations for energy conservation matters in the state. However, he stated that a rule for energy conservation fund, a major need of the hour, is in the making.

The meeting proposed an elaborate action plan for energy efficiency and conservation for NE. In the pipeline are awareness programmes like seminars and workshops in various levels, sample energy audits in small and medium industry sector and commercial buildings and transfer of technology know-how to the industry and commercial sector.

The action plan would cover all sectors, including Railways, thermal projects and power distribution agencies.

UNI