Shillong Aug 10: Meghalaya has been ranked ahead of other North-eastern states and few other states for its consistent efforts in creating awareness on the need to conserve energy.

Meghalaya was found ahead of other states after the Alliance for Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) under the guidance & leadership of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), New Delhi and NITI Aayog, has published India’s first “State Energy Efficiency Index” on the August 1for 29 states and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

“The state of Meghalaya has been ranked ahead of the North Eastern states and some others. The Inspectorate of Electricity which is the State Designated Agency (MSDA) on energy conservation has made consistent efforts to create awareness on the need for energy conservation,” said P.K. Shullet, Senior Electrical inspector and Head, State Designated Agency on Energy Conservation in a release issued here.

Shullet said that among the many initiatives, the Meghalaya Energy Conservation (Energy Consumption Standards for Equipment and Appliances) Regulation, 2017 was notified by the government on 01st November, 2017 which can be accessed at www.msda.nic.in.

Under “Perform, Achieve and Trade” (PAT) Scheme, a target based energy efficiency mechanism, administrated by MSDA, seven energy intensive industries has been notified so far, Shullet said, adding that for the non-residential building, Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) is in the process of being developed.

“However, the State has been categorized as “aspirant” which indicates that there needs to be taken progressive steps for Energy efficiency in Building, Industries, Municipalities, Transportation, Agriculture and Power Sector,” the statement said.

The key baseline actions includes notification and incorporation of ECBC in municipal building bye-laws, mandatory energy audits for buildings and industries; instituting state energy conservation awards for buildings and industries; financial incentives for ECBC compliant building construction and energy efficiency implementation in industries; reducing Transmission and Distribution losses and strengthening Demand Side Management Regulations.