On March 2, 2020, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE),an agency of the Government of India, under the Ministry of Power, has launched star rating programme for Light Commercial Air Conditioners (LCAC) and Deep Freezers, in its 19th foundation day under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 in New Delhi.
Key Points:
i.During the occasion, BEE also launched 1st of its kind initiative, Urja Dakshata Information Tool (UDIT) (www.udit.beeindia.gov.in) developed in association with US (United States)-based World Resources Institute (WRI), to facilitate a database on energy efficiency.
The tool UDIT helps to know the energy efficiency landscape of India across various industries including appliances, building, transport, municipal and agriculture sectors. It also explains the capacity building and new initiatives taken up by the Government across the sectors in the increase energy efficiency.
ii.Through the Star label, equipment manufacturers indicate how economical their equipment is in terms of electricity expenditure. This could save a total of 9 billion units of electricity by 2030 in the use of only these two types of electric devices and a reduction in CO2 emissions.
iii.A total of 24 devices have been covered under this program so far. These rules are mandatory on 10 appliances such as AC, frost free refrigerator transformer used in rooms, while appliances like pump sets, ceiling fans, LPG stoves are covered under the voluntary scheme.After launching these 2 new appliances under voluntary regime, the total count becomes 26.
iv.Deep freezer & LCAC: Deep freezer is used for food, fruits, Contains long-term preservation of vegetable-like substances. Light commercial air conditioners come with AC ranging from DSC (Digital Security Controls) Series 3-5 Tons.
What is LCAC?
The existing BEE star labeling program for Air Conditioners is based on Indian Standard IS 1391 part 1, part 2 and covers AC with cooling capacities up to 10.5kW. In order to cover split ACs beyond the scope of existing BEE star labeling program upto a cooling capacity of 18kW, BEE has prepared a star labeling program for split ACs having cooling capacities in excess of 10.5kW and upto 18.0 kW. This category of Air conditioners is termed as “Light Commercial Air conditioners (LCAC)” primarily due to their application in commercial air conditioning.
v.For now the star rating for deep freezer will be voluntary and the energy consumption criteria will be effective till 31 December 2021. For light commercial air conditioners, it will be voluntary from March 2, 2020 – December 31, 2021.
After that, the star rating program will be made mandatory for these devices by assessing the market situation.
About Bureau of Energy Efficienccy(BEE):
Headquarters– New Delhi
Parent organization– Ministry of Power
Director General– Shri Abhay Bakre
