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From April 2009, it would be mandatory for manufacturers of air conditioners, refrigerators, tube lights and distribution transformers to carry energy efficient labels.You will soon have the chance to reduce your electricity bills. Consumers will have the option to buy electrical appliances based on their energy efficiency.

With energy consciousness on the rise and an increasing number of companies opting for energy-saving solutions, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a part of the ministry of power, is looking to make labelling and standardisation practices mandatory for certain electrical appliances.

BEE secretary Saurabh Kumar said that the draft for the notification has been put up for public comment on its website, and the last date for comments is February 25. “We expect that the government approval would be granted subsequently and the final notification should be released by March 31, 2009. Manufacturers would be given six months to comply,” he said.

Until now, manufacturers could use these labels voluntarily. There are currently six other items — ceiling fans, LPG stoves, electric geysers, agricultural water pumps, colour televisions, and industrial motors — where the labelling process is still voluntary. “By the end of next year, even these appliances would have to carry mandatory energy efficient labels,” said Mr Kumar.

BEE began this exercise, along with the International Copper Association (ICA), as a market transformation project for air conditioners and refrigerators. ICA helped the bureau to develop standards of labels, and in establishment of testing facilities and creation of consumer awareness.

The actual effect on the savings would be seen only in the next year, once the labelling standards are incorporated in the products. “This would result in huge savings for a country like India, which is already reeling under a large energy deficit,” said ICA deputy regional director Asia-Pacific Ajit Advani.


Source - Economic Times