Haryana recognised as model state in energy conservation

Chandigarh, Jun 20 (UNI) The Centre has recognised Haryana as a model state for its energy conservation drive, including making use of solar water heating systems and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) mandatory in the government buildings and government aided institutions.

Union Ministry of Power and Ministry of Non Conventional Energy Resources has appreciated the steps taken by the state government towards energy conservation measures and asked the other states to follow the Haryana model, state Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary (Renewable Energy) S C Choudhary said today.

He said that the use of solar water heating systems compact fluorescent lamps, ISI marked pump sets and accessories and promotion of energy efficient building design had been made mandatory in the government buildings, government aided institutions, boards and corporations.

Haryana, he said, was the first state in the country to issue comprehensive directions for efficient use of energy and conservation measures to conserve electricity in domestic, commercial, industrial and agriculture sectors.

Renewable Energy Department Director Sumita Mishra said the Union government's Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) had developed a star rating plan for labelling the equipments, based on its efficiency.

She said that under the plan, per year minimum energy consumption and maximum energy saving of the equipment or product could be adjudged and the rating of the energy efficiency would be fixed ranging from 1 to 5 stars.

She said the BEE had so far labeled the various models and capacities of frost free refrigerators, direct cool refrigerators, air conditioners, tubular fluorescent lamps of the reputed brands.

She said that maximum power could be saved by using five star labelled equipments.

UNI