Andhra Pradesh to set up Energy Conservation Cells in Government Departments

The government of Andhra Pradesh is planning to set up Energy Conservation Cells in all its departments to promote efficient use of energy at all levels

In a bid to promote energy conservation and efficiency, the state government of Andhra Pradesh is planning to set up Energy Conservation Cells (ECC) in all its departments to promote efficient use of energy at all levels and achieve energy security along with economic, environmental and social benefits, reports TNN.

According to an estimate by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM), 25 percent of the energy consumption can be reduced by adopting energy efficient technologies.

Chief Secretary Nilam Sawhney has directed all heads of departments (HoD) and district collectors to create ECCs in all 87 HoD offices, district-level offices, corporations and various society offices in the state. The ECC will act as a nodal agency to coordinate with APSECM for the effective implementation of energy conservation and energy efficiency measures in their respective department and organisations.

Although a decision has been taken to create ECCs, orders are yet to be given by the government. The officials have to constitute the ECCs in their respective departments within a month after orders are issued.

The secretary for energy Srikant Nagulapalli said in a statement that Andhra Pradesh is keen on bringing in the latest technologies to enhance energy efficiency in key sectors. It has been approaching international agencies for their support to bring innovative global technologies in the area of energy efficiency and energy conservation.

“We are seeking technological development, technology transfer for the enhancement of energy efficiency in the areas of municipal, agricultural, industrial sector and other key sectors that will enhance energy security, promote industrial and economic development apart from environmental benefits,” he said.

In June, we had reported that the Andhra Pradesh Government had secured an additional revenue of Rs 3495 crore after it successfully renegotiated the contract for the proposed Integrated Renewable Energy Project (IREP), with the implementing firm Greenko group. As part of the IREP, the Hyderabad headquartered Greenko Group is currently setting up a 550 megawatt (MW) wind power project, 1,000 MW of solar energy project, and 1,680 MW of reverse pumping project in the state.