Bureau of Energy Efficiency sets 6.68 MTOE energy savings goal for Andhra Pradesh by 2030

VISAKHAPATNAM: Union ministry of power’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has set a target of 6.68 MTOE (million tonnes of oil equivalent) in energy savings for Andhra Pradesh by 2030, in line with its roadmap for reducing projected carbon emissions by 887 million tonnes by 2030.

According to officials, Andhra Pradesh leads the country in the implementation of the national street lighting programme in both urban and rural areas, with the installation of approximately 6.02 lakh and 23.54 lakh LED streetlights, respectively.

As part of BEE’s efforts to engage prominent national and global experts in scaling up energy efficiency programmes by involving all categories of consumers and stakeholders, A Chandra Sekhara Reddy, media advisor (southern states/UTs) of the BEE, met with chief information commissioner Heeralal Samaria.

The CIC was briefed on various energy efficiency achievements, their impact, and the comprehensive communication strategies adopted in southern states/UTs.

Based on the BEE‘s report, the CIC highlighted that, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), if just one out of every eight billion people worldwide adopts Mission LIFE initiatives and environmentally friendly behaviours in their daily lives, global carbon emissions could decrease by up to 20%.

Samaria, who has previously served in the undivided Andhra Pradesh and has extensive experience in the power sector, praised chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

“Naidu has taken immediate and stringent steps on a war footing to address climate change. Andhra Pradesh has been a pioneering state in the implementation of several prestigious programmes of Union govt through BEE and EESL, such as the Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA), the street lighting national programme (slnp), agriculture demand side management (AgDSM), and e-Mobility. These programmes have been effectively implemented in Andhra Pradesh, setting an example for other states and major cities to follow in reducing electricity costs and enabling consumers to lower their bills, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Samaria.

The CIC called for proactive measures and stakeholder engagement at the grassroots level, alongside the widespread dissemination of information about energy efficiency technologies.

He emphasised the importance of public participation in ensuring the successful implementation of these energy efficiency programmes.

The BRICS Global Conference, held in Visakhapatnam in 2016-17, recognised the city as the birthplace of the energy efficiency streetlight programme under the SLNP.

Samaria mentioned that he had participated in key programmes on DSM and energy efficiency during the global conference.

While expressing gratitude for the CIC’s appreciation of the efforts of BEE and various southern states/UTs, A Chandrasekhar Reddy, the media advisor (southern states/UTs) of BEE, , informed that a comprehensive report on the success stories of energy efficiency in Andhra Pradesh, with the support of APSECM under the energy department, will be prepared and submitted to BEE.