Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: State Energy Efficiency Index

Mains level: Not Much

The Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy has released the report of State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22.

State Energy Efficiency Index

The SEEI 2021-22 has been developed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in collaboration with Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).
SEEI 2021-22 consists of 50 indicators (common and programme-specific) spanning 7 sectors – buildings, industry, municipal services, transport, agriculture, DISCOMs, and cross-sector.
36 states and union territories have been assessed for their energy efficiency progress in FY 2020- 21 and FY 2021-22 in SEEI 2021-22.
Based on their efforts and achievements, states have been classified as ‘Front runner’, ‘Achiever’, ‘Contender’, and ‘Aspirant’.

Highlights of the 2021-22 report

Category	States
Front Runner (>60 points)	Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Telangana
Achiever (50-60 points)	Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, Punjab

The 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-wide approach to energy efficiency implementation.
By prioritizing energy efficiency, it aims at driving decarbonization efforts and achieving a more sustainable future.

The report outlines the following recommendations to help states drive change in EE which will contribute towards the fulfillment of SDGs and NDC:

Enabling fiscal assistance for energy efficiency in the focus sectors.
Developing institutional capacity in states and UTs to address emerging needs and challenges in energy efficiency implementation.
Enhancing cross-functional collaborations across financial institutions, energy service companies, and energy professionals in large-scale energy efficiency implementation in states.
Mainstreaming energy data reporting and monitoring across sectors.

BEE was established by the Government of India on 1st March 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
The primary objective of BEE is to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy by developing policies and strategies based on self-regulation and market principles.
BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies, and other organizations to perform its functions under the Energy Conservation Act.
The Energy Conservation Act provides for both regulatory and promotional functions for BEE.
BEE’s role includes recognizing, identifying, and utilizing existing resources and infrastructure to promote energy conservation and efficiency.
It works towards driving energy efficiency policies and programs at the state and local level, enabling cross-state collaboration and developing energy efficiency program ideas.