New Delhi, March 1: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) celebrated its 25th Foundation Day at the India Habitat Centre in the national capital, reaffirming its role in steering India’s energy conservation and sustainability efforts over the past two decades.
The silver jubilee event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Power, State Governments, partner institutions, and industry stakeholders. Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar presided over the ceremony as Chief Guest, while Secretary (Power) Pankaj Agarwal delivered the keynote address.
Energy Efficiency as “Preventive Power”
Addressing the gathering, the Minister described BEE as a “preventive force” within the power sector, noting that conserving electricity reduces the need for fresh generation capacity and cuts down emissions. Stressing the long-term environmental and economic benefits of efficient energy use, he said conservation today translates into a cleaner and more secure future for the country.
He highlighted India’s progress in climate action, pointing out that the country has reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP by 36 per cent from 2005 levels and achieved 52 per cent non-fossil fuel-based installed power capacity ahead of the 2030 target.
Milestones and Policy Initiatives
The Minister reviewed major policy measures led or supported by BEE, including the Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO), the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, the transition towards the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms, the ADEETIE initiative for MSMEs, the Standards & Labelling programme, and the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC). He underlined the importance of strengthening efficiency standards across industrial, building, and transport sectors.
Looking ahead, he flagged emerging high-energy-demand sectors such as data centres and Artificial Intelligence, calling for innovative approaches to ensure their sustainable growth in line with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Secretary (Power) Pankaj Agarwal described energy efficiency as India’s “first fuel” — a strategic resource that supports energy security, affordability, and sustainability simultaneously. He noted that rising demand, growing non-fossil capacity, and rapid digitalisation are reshaping the energy landscape, making efficiency measures more crucial than ever.
Launch of Digital Tools and Commemorative Logo
To mark the milestone year, the Minister unveiled the BEE@25 logo, symbolising the organisation’s 25-year journey and its commitment to innovation and sustainability. The commemorative emblem will be featured in official communications and outreach initiatives throughout the anniversary year.
A dedicated RCO Portal was also launched to strengthen monitoring and compliance under renewable and efficiency programmes. The portal is expected to improve transparency, streamline reporting, and facilitate better coordination among stakeholders.
Additionally, the BEE Star Label Mobile Application — developed in partnership with CLASP — was introduced to empower consumers. The app allows users to scan QR codes on star-rated appliances to access verified information on energy performance and product specifications, encouraging informed purchasing decisions and wider adoption of energy-efficient products.
Reflecting on the Journey
In his welcome address, BEE Director General Krushna Chandra Panigrahy reflected on the Bureau’s evolution since its inception and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding energy efficiency adoption across sectors.
The event also featured a fireside discussion with former Directors General of BEE, moderated by Dr Satish Kumar, President and Executive Director of the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE). Retired officials from State Designated Agencies were honoured for their contributions to advancing energy conservation initiatives at the grassroots level.
The 25th Foundation Day celebrations underscored BEE’s continuing role in advancing sustainable development, strengthening national energy security, and supporting India’s transition towards a low-carbon economy.
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