Que: What do you see as the key trends currently shaping India’s energy efficiency segment, particularly in light of the COP28 discussions? How is EESL positioning itself to capitalise on these trends?

Ans: India’s energy efficiency landscape is being shaped by several key trends, especially following the COP28 discussions and India's leadership at the G20. One major development is the global push to double the rate of energy efficiency by 2030. This aligns with the country’s ambitious climate goals, driving the transition to clean energy solutions such as smart meters, energy-efficient appliances, and the adoption of sustainable technologies across industries.

The domestic and industrial sectors are key contributors to carbon emissions, making energy efficiency critical in reducing the overall environmental impact. There is also substantial energy consumption associated with common household appliances, as about 45% of global energy consumption stems from just 20 basic appliances. To address this, EESL is establishing EESLMart, an energy-efficient appliances marketplace catering to both B2C and B2B segments. In the domestic sector, EESL is promoting energy-efficient appliances such as BLDC ceiling fans (5-star, with and without remote), emergency LED bulbs (10 watts), LED bulbs (6 watts), Int Batten tube lights (20 watts), and super-efficient 5-star ACs (1.5 and 1.0 TR). On the industrial side, sectors are adopting energy-efficient solutions in lighting, motors, solar power, and cold storage. Through our collective initiatives, we can drive mass movement towards energy efficiency, contributing significantly to sustainability efforts across both domestic and industrial landscapes.

Que: Could you provide insights into the growth and future plans for EESL’s e-marketplace? What role do you see this platform playing in accelerating the adoption of energy-efficient appliances across the country?

Ans: EESL’s e-commerce platform, EESLMart, represents a curated marketplace offering a diverse range of energy-efficient appliances. This is an attempt by EESL to uberise energy efficiency in India. This platform simplifies access to energy-saving solutions for both individual consumers and businesses alike, offering EESL-certified products like BLDC fans, LED bulbs, energy-efficient air conditioners, and induction cooktops. By delivering a reliable selection of products, EESLMart serves as an instrumental gateway for promoting sustainable living and business practices in Indian households and industries.

As we look ahead, EESLMart seeks to broaden its scope by welcoming multiple manufacturers, thus evolving into a more expansive and inclusive marketplace. Our long-term vision is to transform the platform into a premier destination for highly efficient appliances and equipment, covering not just daily household items but also advanced products aimed at businesses. We aim to guide consumers through their decision-making process, demystifying the complexities of energy efficiency. By adhering to strict quality standards, EESLMart would ensure that even luxury and high-performance products hosted on the platform meet the most rigorous energy efficiency criteria. This broad-based adoption of energy-efficient technologies will contribute significantly to India’s sustainability goals, propelling the nation toward its Net Zero aspirations.

Que: How do you view the role of energy efficiency in helping India achieve its Net Zero target by 2070 and what policy measures would you recommend for advancing energy efficiency initiatives across different sectors?

Ans: Energy efficiency will play a critical role in helping India achieve its Net Zero target by 2070, as it is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce emissions while supporting economic growth. By improving energy efficiency across key sectors such as industry, efficient and long cycle batteries, and buildings, India can significantly lower its energy demand, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and decarbonize faster. As the country rapidly urbanizes and industrializes, scaling up energy-efficient technologies will be crucial. An important step in this direction is the adoption of energy-efficient fans and lights under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) by EESL. This aims to enhance energy savings for affordable housing, further contributing to the country’s energy goals.

To advance energy efficiency initiatives, a multi-faceted policy approach is essential. First, stronger regulatory frameworks should be implemented, mandating energy efficiency standards for appliances, buildings, and industrial equipment. Expanding incentive programs like the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme can motivate industries to adopt energy-efficient practices. Additionally, increasing public-private partnerships will help scale energy-efficient technologies through financing and innovation. Lastly, greater emphasis should be placed on sector-specific strategies, such as encouraging energy audits in industries, promoting electric mobility in transportation, and fostering green building practices. Tailored policy interventions in these areas can accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient solutions like community washing machine and community kitchen parks across different sectors, contributing significantly to India’s Net Zero ambition.

Que: EESL has been collaborating with various discoms and energy providers through EESLMart. What impact do you anticipate from these collaborations on energy consumption and consumer behavior?

Ans: EESL’s collaboration with DISCOMs through its e-commerce platform, EESLMart.in, is poised to significantly influence both energy consumption and consumer behaviour. By integrating affiliate links of EESLmart.in into DISCOM websites, SMS, WhatsApp messages, and monthly utility bills, EESL is making energy-efficient appliances easily accessible to consumers. This seamless integration encourages consumers to explore and adopt energy-saving technologies, helping them reduce their electricity bills and overall energy usage.

Collaborating with DISCOMs such as APEPDCL, TGNPDCL, TGSPDCL, Tata Power, and others, EESL is expanding its reach and promoting energy efficiency on a large scale, fostering a sustainable shift in consumer choices across India.

Que: How do advancements like smart grids and metering technologies influence the energy efficiency landscape in India? What role does EESL play in driving these innovations forward?

Ans: Advancements in smart grids and metering technologies are transforming India's energy efficiency by enabling real-time monitoring, accurate billing, and consumer empowerment. Smart meters with GPRS technology integrate seamlessly into the power sector, boosting billing efficiency and reducing DISCOM costs. The shift to prepaid metering gives consumers more control over their usage, while DISCOMs benefit from immediate revenue generation and reduced operational expenses. Additionally, smart meters allow for real-time power quality analysis and lower carbon emissions by minimizing manual interventions like meter reading and outage detection.

EESL is driving innovation through its Smart Metering National Programme, aiming to replace 25 crore conventional meters with smart meters across India. In partnership with L&T and its JV IntelliSmart, EESL has installed millions of smart meters in key states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Bihar. This initiative supports India's energy efficiency and sustainability goals, playing a key role in the Smart Cities Mission. By ensuring reliable, accessible energy, EESL is strengthening energy security and positioning DISCOMs and consumers at the core of the energy sector's growth.

Que: What opportunities do you foresee in energy efficiency over the next 5-10 years, especially in sectors like industrial efficiency, electric mobility, and decentralized solar?

Ans: In industrial sectors, following green building norms through a hybrid model of energy/electrical supply with renewable energy and thermal power, as well as adopting energy-efficient appliances and equipment, can significantly boost efficiency. Development in areas like elevators/lifts, motors, and efficient production lines holds great potential. These advancements, alongside energy-efficient practices, will contribute to reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability in industrial operations.

In electric mobility, focus should be given to solar-powered charging stations, which offer long-term cost advantages and extend the lifecycle of batteries. Creating an environment that encourages microfinancing, improves affordability, and emphasizes the total cost of ownership concept will serve as key drivers of energy efficiency.