BEE Marks 25 Years of Energy Efficiency Leadership

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, celebrated its 25th Foundation Day at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, with senior policymakers, State representatives and sectoral stakeholders in attendance. Shri Manohar Lal, Cabinet Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), delivered the keynote address.

Energy Efficiency as Preventive Strategy

Addressing the gathering, the Minister described BEE as a “preventive institution” for the power sector, emphasising that conserving each unit of electricity reduces the need for additional generation capacity and lowers emissions. He noted that India has reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP by 36 per cent from 2005 levels and achieved 52 per cent non-fossil fuel installed capacity ahead of the 2030 target.

He highlighted flagship initiatives including the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme, Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO), Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms, ADEETIE for MSMEs, the Standards & Labelling Programme, and the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC). He underscored energy efficiency as central to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, particularly in emerging sectors such as data centres and Artificial Intelligence.

Energy Efficiency as India’s ‘First Fuel’

Shri Pankaj Agarwal described energy efficiency as India’s “First Fuel”, critical to balancing energy security, affordability and sustainability amid rising demand and digitalisation. He outlined BEE’s role in cooling efficiency, industrial decarbonisation through carbon markets, fuel efficiency improvements in transport, and the establishment of energy efficiency hubs.

Earlier, Shri Krushna Chandra Panigrahy, Director General of BEE, reflected on the Bureau’s 24-year journey and reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating efficiency adoption across sectors.

Launch of Digital Tools and Commemorative Identity

The event saw the formal release of the BEE@25 logo, symbolising sustainability, innovation and continuity. A commemorative journey video showcased BEE’s milestones and institutional partnerships.

The RCO Portal was unveiled to strengthen monitoring, compliance and data-driven implementation under energy efficiency programmes. The Minister also launched the BEE Star Label Mobile Application, developed with CLASP, enabling consumers to scan QR codes on star-labelled appliances for authentic energy performance information, thereby enhancing transparency and informed decision-making.

Important Facts for Exams

• BEE was established under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) is a market-based mechanism for industrial energy efficiency.
• Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms regulate vehicle fuel consumption standards.
• India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

Reaffirming Commitment to Sustainable Growth

The celebration concluded with a fireside interaction involving former Directors General and the felicitation of retired State Designated Agency officials. The 25th Foundation Day reaffirmed BEE’s commitment to strengthening India’s energy efficiency ecosystem, advancing climate goals, and supporting a Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat through sustainable and secure energy management.