Rajasthan ranks 1st in State Energy Efficiency Index 2021-22 | 12 Apr 2023

Why in News?

On 10 April 2023, the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh released the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22 report during the RPM (Review, Planning and Monitoring) meeting of States and State Utility Companies in New Delhi, in which Rajasthan topped the category along with four other states (> 60 marks).

Key Points

• Developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), in association with the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE), the index assesses the annual progress of states and union territories in energy efficiency implementation for the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
• SEEI 2021-22 has an updated framework of 50 indicators aligned with national priorities. Program-specific indicators have been included this year to monitor the outcomes and impacts of state-level energy efficiency initiatives.
• In the SEEI 2021-22, 5 states - Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan and Telangana are in the frontrunner category (>60 points), while 4 states - Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab are in the achievers' category (50-60 marks).
• Besides Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Chandigarh are the top-performing states in their respective state groups.
• Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have registered the most improvements since the last index.
• State Energy Efficiency Index (SEI):
  • The State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) monitors the progress of states of India in managing their energy footprint including operating energy efficiency policies & programs at the state and local levels.
  • SEEI improves data collection, enables cross-state collaboration and develops energy efficiency program ideas.
  • It helps states identify areas for improvement, learn from best practices and adopt an economy-friendly approach to energy efficiency implementation.
  • By prioritizing energy efficiency, it aims to drive carbon reduction efforts and achieve a more sustainable future.
  • The index is designed to help monitor progress toward state goals related to energy savings and emissions reductions.
• Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE):
  • It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power established by the Government of India on 1 March 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
  • The mission of BEE is to assist in developing policies and strategies with an emphasis on self-regulation and market principles under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. Its primary objective is to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
  • To carry out the functions assigned under the Energy Conservation Act, BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies and other organizations, where it identifies, accredits and utilizes existing resources & infrastructure.
  • The Energy Conservation Act provides the mandate for regulatory and promotional functions.