Govt yet to grade energy saver firms

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is yet to ensure that consumer durable companies conform to its energy rating standards. The deadline for this expired in June.

Under the bureau's National Energy Labelling Programme, started in July 2006, direct-cool refrigerators, general purpose electric motors, air-conditioners and ceiling fans were to be rated by 2007.

"No ruling is in place to date," said an industry executive. BEE officials told Business Standard they were awaiting directives from the Ministry of Power.

However, a few companies have started following the energy-efficiency norms and displaying the ratings on their products.

Carrier Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Ltd (Carrier India) has decided to phase out ozone-depleting refrigerators and air-conditioners by next calendar year. "We have voluntarily gone in for BEE labeling. Ninety per cent of our products are BEE rated. The response to our BEE-rated air-conditioning products has been impressive," said Zubin Irani, managing director, Carrier India. Sales of rated products increased by 25 per cent while the overall durables industry grew by just 14-15 per cent.

"Our sales are in excess of what the market has witnessed. There is a strong payback for energy efficient products," he added. This despite the fact that rated products are expensive by about 5 per cent.

The frost-free refrigerators from Samsung are being rated by the BEE from January. By next year, the company plans to include its air -conditioning in the programme. "The labels are good for the customer, who can estimate the money he needs to spend on electricity," said a Samsung spokesperson.

"We have plans for voluntarily label," said Saurabh Baisakhia, group head, LG Air-Conditioners. "In the first half of this year, we did not offer BEE-labelled products. In the second half, we shall be rolling out four- and five-star rated products and aim to achieve 50-60 per cent BEE compliance by next year," said Baisakhia. Carrier India is planning to introduce innovations in its ozone-friendly line in the residential and light commercial category by October. LG will introduce its rated products by October this year.

Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufactures Association (CEAMA) Secretary General Suresh Khanna said this would help meet the shortage of electricity and prevent environmental degradation. "But before it is implemented, a proper roadmap should be in place so that the industry is prepared," he said.