APEPDCL Gets In E-Retail Facility With EESL Tie-Up

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Ltd (EPDCL) headquarters in Visakhapatnam has become India’s first DISCOM to introduce an e-retail facility for electricity consumers after entering into an MoU with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of central PSUs under the Ministry of Power. Consumers in Vizag now have seamless access to energy-efficient appliances at competitive prices. APEPDCL consumers can purchase star-rated appliances directly through the DISCOM portal via affiliate link banners. The initiative is backed by a multi-channel awareness campaign, including web portals, text messages, and WhatsApp notifications, ensuring maximum consumer outreach.

The EESL Mart portal, accessible through SMS links, QR codes, and monthly bills, enables users to purchase energy-saving appliances such as LED bulbs, BLDC fans, and super-efficient air conditioners. The platform ensures a smooth buying experience with doorstep delivery and robust after-sales support.

According to a statement issued by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), following the resounding success of the partnership program with the National Testing House (NTH) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, for maintaining high standards in star-rated appliances, it (BEE) has urged State Designated Agencies (SDAs) and DISCOMs to actively promote the Standards & Labeling (S&L) Programme for long-term economic and environmental benefits.

The recent MoU between the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs marks a transformative step in ensuring that consumers have access to top-rated, 5-star appliances that reduce electricity consumption. The MoU empowers SDAs to strengthen market surveillance and enforce stringent product testing by BEE officers, ensuring compliance with energy efficiency standards. This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and the Atma Nirbhar Bharat mission. "Industries/manufacturers must uphold the quality and efficiency of their star-rated products. Our collaboration with the Department of Consumer Affairs enhances strict market surveillance and reliable product testing," stated Milind Deore, Secretary, BEE.

While several SDAs in the country including AP State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM) have performed exceptionally well in monitoring the S&L program, there is still significant potential to expand the reach of star-rated appliances at the grassroots level. Proactive States should adopt special strategies to ensure the benefits of energy efficiency reach the end consumer. For instance, BEE has lauded this initiative as a groundbreaking step in consumer-centric energy efficiency, reinforcing India’s mission for a sustainable and energy-secure future, he said.

BEE said consumers can visit the EESL Mart portal via affiliate links sent through SMS, WhatsApp, and monthly bills or directly access the DISCOM portal to explore energy-efficient appliances.