Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) Initiatives: Enhancing Cooking Practices and Fan Technology in India

• About: National Efficient Cooking Programme is an initiative of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of Public Sector Undertakings under the Ministry of Power.
  • Apart from National Efficient Cooking Programme, Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP) was also launched at the same time.
  • EESL will distribute 1 crore efficient BLDC fans and 20 Lakh energy-efficient induction cook stoves nationwide, as part of the programmes.
• Aim: The main goals of these programmes include improving cooking practices in India and emphasizing on the importance and urgency of energy efficient fans.

Empowering Sustainable Cooking Solutions: The National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP)

• The National Efficient Cooking Programme is a subset of the Clean Cooking Scheme and focuses on Non-Solar/Electricity-based Induction Cookstoves.
• About: The programme introduces induction-based cook-stoves, which offers a cost advantage of 25-30% over traditional cooking methods, providing both energy savings and cost-effective cooking solutions. 
• Advantages of Induction Stoves: Promoting Sustainable and Cost-effective Cooking Solutions
  • Reduce Environmental Impact: The introduction of induction stoves under the programme will reduce the environmental impact of cooking methods.
  • Indoor Pollution Reduction: Induction stoves will ensure cleaner air and improved health for citizens.
  • Lower Energy Costs: Compared to LPG cylinders, induction stoves will reduce cooking energy bills by 20-30%, making it affordable for poor families.
  • Strategic Self-sufficiency: India is dependent on foreign countries for the majority of its cooking gas needs, making it vulnerable to external energy shocks. Induction cooking will reduce dependency.

• • Lower Transportation and Storage Costs: LPG gas will require additional costs of transportation and storage, while induction cooking does not involve such costs.
  • Cleaning Stove: Cleaning an electric stove is incredibly simple due to its uniform surface, compared to traditional stove.
  • Heat Control: The control of heat levels is easier in electric stoves compared to gas stoves.
• Challenges of Electric Stoves: Considering Limitations in the Shift from Gas
  • Higher Cost: The cost of electric stoves is costly compared to gas stoves, making it unaffordable for poorer sections.
  • Dependence on Regular Power Supply: Electric stoves work only if there is regular power supply, making them unusable in absence of electricity.
  • Chances of Damage: Electric stoves have high chances of getting damaged accidentally compared to traditional gas stoves.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency: The Impact of the Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP)

• Aim: To promote adoption of energy-efficient appliances, such as LED bulbs, tube lights, and high-performance fans. 
• Goal: To promote energy-efficient BLDC fans, with the goal of distributing 1 crore ceiling fans.
• Benefits:
  • Ceiling fans contribute to approximately 40% of total residential electricity consumption. 
  • By adopting the most efficient models of fan available today, nearly 20% of total residential electricity consumption can be reduced.
  • These fans will not only reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, but also enhance consumer comfort while lowering electricity bills.

Empowering Energy Efficiency: The Role of EESL in India’s Sustainable Development

• About: EESL was founded in 2009 and comes under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. It is a Joint Venture of four public- sector undertakings NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited, REC Limited and POWERGRID Corporation of India Limited.
• EESL is responsible for implementation of the Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All scheme, formerly known as the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme.