NTH, BEE ink MoU to strengthen S&L program
NTH will conduct training sessions for BEE officers; MoU will ensure consumers have access to durable, high-quality products
Vijayawada: National Test House (NTH) under the Department of Consumer Affairs has signed an MoU with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power to strengthen the Standards & Labelling (S&L) Program across India ensuring the highest quality of energy-efficient appliances for consumers.
The S&L Program, one of BEE’s most prestigious initiatives, is designed to provide consumers with informed choices about the energy and cost-saving potential of 5-star labeled electrical appliances and equipment available in the Indian market. As of January 2024, the S&L Program covered 35 appliances, with 16 under mandatory regulation and 19 under voluntary regulation. This program, considered one of the best energy efficiency programs globally, resulted in electricity savings of 81.64 billion units and reduced CO2 emissions by 58 million tonnes in FY23, translating to energy savings worth Rs 54,323 crores.
BEE has been urging all State Designated Agencies (SDAs) in Southern States and proactive States like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu/ UTs to adopt stringent measures to promote the Star Labelling Program.
The MoU was signed by Milind Deore, Secretary, BEE, and Alok Kumar Srivastava, Director General, NTH, marking a critical step forward in India’s journey towards sustainable energy management. The agreement was signed in the presence of Nidhi Khare Secretary, Department of Consumers Affairs, Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, and Dr Srikanth Nagulapalli, Director General of BEE.
The collaboration ushers in a new era for energy efficiency in India, where the public will benefit from accessing top-rated, 5-star appliances that not only reduce energy costs but also significantly cut down on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The MoU between NTH and BEE aims to improve market surveillance and reliable testing to ensure energy-efficient products meet the required standards. This is a critical step toward sustainable economic development and reducing carbon footprints, aligning with India’s goal of becoming an Atmanirbhar Bharat
(self-reliant India).