STAR Rating Program

• 16 Mar 2019

Recently, the Ministry of Power, Government of India has expanded its ambitious Standards & Labelling (Star Rating) program for Energy Efficient for Appliances to cover the Microwave Ovens and Washing Machines (with revised parameters) in the country.

• This program is expected to save over 3.0 Billion Units by 2030. This would be equivalent to Green House Gases (GHG) reduction of 2.4 Million-ton of CO₂ by the year 2030 through these initiatives.
• The Star Labelling Programs has been formulated by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) for improving energy efficiency and lowering energy cost of appliances/equipment for the consumers.
• Initially, the program for the above two appliances will be implemented on a voluntary basis and will be valid up to 31st December 2020.
• This will create awareness amongst the domestic consumers to encourage the transition towards energy efficient microwave ovens and Washing machines.
• The manufacturers will be able to register products online, on a portal developed by BEE.
• Any model/brand of Washing Machine or a Microwave Oven can avail Star Rating on a scale of 1 to 5 based on test report from National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) or equivalent labs subsequent to scrutiny by BEE.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

• The BEE is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
• It assists in developing policies and strategies with the primary objective of reducing the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
• BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies, and other organizations to identify and utilize the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)

• NABL is a Constituent Board of Quality Council of India.
• NABL has been established with the objective of providing Government, Industry Associations and Industry in general with a scheme of Conformity Assessment Body’s accreditation which involves third-party assessment of the technical competence of testing including medical and calibration laboratories, proficiency testing providers and reference material producers.
• Quality Council of India (QCI) as a non-profit autonomous society registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• The aim of QCI is to establish an accreditation structure in the country and to spread quality movement in India by undertaking a National Quality Campaign.