Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI:Energy is more than just electricity or fuel; it is the force that enables modern life. It lights our homes, powers our industries, drives transportation, supports digital services, and keeps hospitals, schools, and businesses running.
Energy underpins economic growth, social development, and technological advancement. As India’s economy expands, the demand for reliable and affordable energy continues to rise. Addressing this demand requires not only expanding supply but also ensuring efficient and responsible energy use.
Energy efficiency involves achieving the same output with less energy consumption, while conservation focuses on avoiding waste. Together, they form a central pillar of India’s energy strategy. Recognising their importance, India observes National Energy Conservation Day on December 14 to promote awareness and acknowledge contributions towards efficient energy use. The National Energy Conservation Day, observed annually since 1991, was established to promote awareness of reducing energy use and encouraging efficient practices across various sectors.
Among top three
India is among the world’s top three energy consumers, and electricity demand continues to grow every year. The total electricity generation increased from 1,739.09 billion units (BU) in 2023-24 to 1,829.69 BU in 2024-25, a growth of 5.21 per cent. For 2025–26, the generation target has been set at 2,000.4 BU. At the same time, the power system has become more reliable. In June 2025, the energy-shortage levels were reported to be as low as 0.1 pc. India’s meta peak demand of 241 GW with zero shortage highlights improved system resilience and better demand-supply management.
India’s energy mix is rapidly shifting toward cleaner sources. As of October 31 this year, the country’s total installed generation capacity stands at 505 GW, of which non-fossil sources account for over 259 GW. This means that more than 50 per cent of installed electricity capacity now comes from non-fossil sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power.
To reduce energy wastage and promote the efficient use of resources, the Ministry of Power and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) have launched several national programmes across industries, encouraging the adoption of efficient technologies, improved design, and smarter energy management. Flagship Government programmes shaping the progress are: Industrial Energy Efficiency: Industry accounts for a major share of India’s total energy consumption, making efficiency improvements central to reducing costs and emissions.
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme: Under this, emission-intensive sectors are assigned Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets, and industries that outperform these targets earn Carbon Credit Certificates that can be traded. Perform, Achieve and Trade: The scheme served as India’s foundational programme for industrial energy efficiency. PAT assigned energy-reduction targets to designated consumers, and industries.
Energy-efficient bulbs
Standards & Labelling Programme: It covers 28 appliance categories, provides consumers with clear information through star labels and encourages manufacturers to adopt higher-efficiency technologies.
UJALA LED programme: Launched in January 2015, the Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) scheme aims to provide energy-efficient LED bulbs to domestic consumers at affordable prices. Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Launched in February 2024, it aims to equip one crore households with rooftop solar systems and provide up to 300 units of free electricity each month. . RDSS: The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme is a flagship programme to strengthen the operational and financial performance of electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs).
Global practices
Digital frameworks: Digital tools such as the Urja Dakshata Information Tool (UDIT) offer nationwide insights into energy consumption patterns, programme performance, and sector-wise savings. In 2024, India formally joined the International Energy Efficiency Hub, a global platform where governments, international organisations, and private stakeholders collaborate to promote energy-efficient technologies and practices.
The step signals India’s commitment to aligning its domestic efficiency efforts with global best practices and to sharing its experiences internationally. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), every country is required to chart an energy-transition pathway suited to its national priorities. India has defined a pathway that balances rapid economic growth with long-term climate responsibility.
