Energy Labeling to Ensure Efficient Use of Scarce Energy Resources in India
An Energy labeling program was officially launched for the first
time in the Indian market on Thursday, the 18th of May, 2006 at
the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi in a function organized by the
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). Union Minister of Power, Shri
Sushilkumar Shinde, while launching the program, said "This is the
beginning of a new era for energy efficiency. We have introduced
energy labels and history has been created. The Energy Efficiency
Movement is now at the doorstep of every consumer." The label launch was attended by more than 400 delegates representing various ministries, manufacturers and their associations, international agencies, consumer associations, and government institutions. It was followed by several technical presentation and panel discussion by several stakeholders from government and industry.
The National Energy Labeling program will initially be implemented on a voluntary basis and made mandatory within six months time. Energy-labeled products for the first two appliances, frost-free refrigerators and tubular fluorescent lamps, are expected to be available in market starting July 2006. Direct-cool refrigerators, general purpose electric motors, air-conditioners and ceiling fans will be included to the program in a phased manner by 2007.
BEE's Labeling program marks a significant step towards ensuring efficient use of scarce energy resources. It would result in substantial energy savings for the consumers and the nation. IIEC has been providing key inputs and working as the implementer of a program funded by the UN Foundation, USAID, and US EPA under the auspices of the Collaborative for Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP).
Consumer participation is the key to the success of the BEE labeling program. IIEC has been working with the BEE and UNDP/GEF to develop a nationwide consumer awareness and education campaign, which will be launched as the labeled products become available in the market. As more and more products come under the scope of the labeling program, the impact will be even greater. For more information, please contact Tanmay Tathagat at
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What's New 
The National Energy Labeling program will initially be implemented on a voluntary basis and made mandatory within six months time. Energy-labeled products for the first two appliances, frost-free refrigerators and tubular fluorescent lamps, are expected to be available in market starting July 2006. Direct-cool refrigerators, general purpose electric motors, air-conditioners and ceiling fans will be included to the program in a phased manner by 2007.