The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, which has launched a mobile application “AC Power Saver” will enable consumers to calculate energy consumption and potential savings

Moneylife Digital Team

In order to give boost to the consumer awareness on energy efficiency, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has developed a mobile phones application "AC Power Saver" enabling consumers to calculate energy consumption and potential savings. The application will be freely available for Android, Blackberry and iPhone users.  Recently the statutory body also announced that its energy efficiency regulations for air conditioners unveiled  in January this year would help BEE to save up to Rs1,000 crore by December 2013.

The BEE in a press note said, "These tools will help consumers calculate the expected annual electricity bills and the potential savings. Users can get an idea about their savings on their electricity bills if they buy higher star rating air conditioners. For a wider reach, a dedicated web site www.saveenergy.co.in, has been created with all necessary information including the energy calculator."

Ajay Mathur, director general, BEE, was quoted in PTI, saying, "These standards which came into practice from 1 January 2012 would save us 200 MW of additional power generation capacity or savings of about Rs1,000 crore by December 2013."

Since January 2012, BEE which is under ministry of power, had upgraded the energy efficiency standards by about 8% for star rating split air-conditioners. While star labelling program for air-conditioners, frost free refrigerators, tubular florescent lights, and distribution transformers began in May 2006 in a voluntary phase, it was mandatory by the BEE from 7 January 2010. "Energy is critical for India, and the demand for clean and efficient energy devices is growing rapidly. We are happy that our initial steps in introducing star labelling for air-conditioners has borne such good results," said Mr Mathur.

BEE has also organised a training programme for air conditioner showroom salesmen on the star labelling criterion. "BEE has already trained 1,544 salesmen in India across six cities and plans to continue with this effort. These trained salesmen help consumers make an informed choice with respect to energy efficiency while buying home air conditioners."