New Delhi: Delhi govt has made the use of energy-efficient appliances, including BLDC fans, five-star-rated airconditioners and other high-efficiency devices, mandatory across all its buildings. Officials said the proposal was approved by chief minister Atishi, who also holds the charge of the power department, on Tuesday and sent to lieutenant governor VK Saxena for final clearance.
Atishi said the move was expected to significantly cut electricity consumption, save crores of rupees annually, and also contribute to environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. “Delhi’s initiative will serve as a model for the entire country, demonstrating how technological innovations and effective policies can drive energy conservation,” Atishi said.
Govt buildings are among the largest consumers of electricity in the city. Officials said Delhi govt departments consume over 2,000 million units of electricity, costing between Rs 8.50 and Rs 11.50 per unit, resulting in annual electricity bills of over ₹1,900 crore.
“Advancements in technology have made several energy-saving options accessible. While LED lights have already played a significant role in reducing electricity consumption, the focus is now shifting to fans and airconditioners,” said an official. Govt stated that five-star-rated airconditioners save 2,800-3,042 units of electricity annually compared to regular ACs, resulting in the savings of Rs 27,000 to Rs 29,000 per AC each year. Similarly, BLDC fans consume 40-45 watts less, each saving approximately 96 units of electricity annually. This translates to the monetary savings of Rs 950 to Rs 1,100 per fan each year.
“The primary objective of this initiative is to curb the rising demand for electricity and promote energy efficiency. This summer, Delhi’s peak electricity demand reached 8,656MW, a significant increase from 7,438MW the previous year. Being major electricity consumers, govt buildings will play a key role in achieving these goals through the efficient use of energy-saving appliances,” said an official.
