Power rating for gadgets soon

The much awaited star rating for consumer electronic and electrical appliances will come into force in India by the this year-end through a notification by the ministry of power.

The rating will grade models on their energy efficiency, starting from one star, implying least energy efficient, to a five star grade for the most energy efficient model.

Though sources close to the development said the initial test period would cover refrigerators and would be a voluntary initiative from manufacturers, the target is to make it mandatory by mid-2007.

"Though technically we are ready for a number of products, we will start with refrigerators. The extent of consumer awareness and participation is what would make this programme a success," said Tanmay Tathagat, advisor to the ministry of power and senior energy efficiency specialist with the International Institute for Energy Conservation.

"According to a study done by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency the scope for savings is as much as 25-30 per cent of the power produced in the country," Tathagat said.

The move by the government to bring the star rating for consumer electronic and electrical appliances was kicked off way back in 1999 with the setting up of a Parliamentary Committee which was followed by an act of Parliament in 2001, called the Energy Conservation Act.

This was later followed by the setting up of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the ministry of power, in 2002 with an agenda to make the star rating mandatory by 2007.

According to Tathagat, standards for a number of products such as tube lights, pumps, motors, air conditioners, televisions are already ready.

Along with the implementation of this star rating programme, the BEE would also kick off a campaign to educate the consumers on this star grading. Adequate precautions too have been taking to avoid spurious star labels from entering the market.

"The labels will have a hologram with a serial number that would give details of the manufacturers, model and make of the product, making it practically impossible for any foul play," said Tathagat.

Several developed countries like the US, Australia and in most parts of Europe already follow these standards. Going by the experience of these countries, the cost of manufacturing consumer electronic and electrical appliances has remained neutral after adhering to energy efficiency standards.