CHANDIGARH: Punjab along with Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are the ‘Front Runner’ states” in the inaugural edition of the nationwide ‘State Energy Efficiency index’ for the 29 states and Delhi.

A.K. Bhalla Secretary Power, said, that efficient use of energy is the fastest, cheapest and cleanest way to meet India’s rising energy demand and power the nation’s growth

In case of Punjab T&D losses are 18.55%, placing it in the middle tier among all states. The state has notified Demand Side Management (DSM) regulation and has set a target of 30% energy savings through AgDSM. The state also provides financial incentives for other DSM measures. Punjab has several programmes in place for driving energy efficiency (EE) in buildings, industry, municipalities and DISCOMs. The state however, needs to improve programmes for transport.

‘State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index’, which assesses state policies and programmes aimed at improving energy efficiency across various sectors. This will serve as a standard reference document for energy intensive industries and help them achieve high operational efficiency of energy consuming utilities thereby improving their energy performance