GEDA: The Pioneering Model

Historically speaking, energy efficiency in Gujarat has had a chequered history beginning with the onset of the oil crisis of the 1970s, when the government of Gujarat embarked upon a state level programme of promotion and popularization of renewable energy technologies and the energy efficiency measures by establishing the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) in 1979 at Vadodara. GEDA’s efforts, therefore, concentrate on the initiation of change from energy deprivation and dependence to energy autonomy through the increased use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. Over the years GEDA interventional programmes has been instrumental in introducing various new technologies for public use through the design of several innovative programmes, implementation strategies and promotional initiatives.

They have contributed considerably to urban and rural development, generated grassroots employment, boosted agricultural productivity, improved the productivity of rural artisans, alleviated the drudgery of women, conserved scarce fossil fuels, promoted energy efficiency in domestic, agricultural, industrial, commercial and transport sectors and played a significant role in protecting the environment and halting the serious consequences of climate change. Most importantly, they have demonstrated the feasibility, energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of decentralized and integrated renewable energy systems in several varied rural and urban scenarios.

Gujarat: Energy Conservation Momentum

As one unit saved is equal to three generated, GEDA’s emphasis on Energy Conservation has always been very strong. GEDA has and continues to initiate several programmes to promote energy conservation in the state, both at the urban and rural levels. Energy efficient devices such as improved crematoria, natural water coolers, diamond hot plates, improved potters’ wheels and kilns and improved woodstoves have been promoted by GEDA all over the state. Rectification of agricultural pump sets implemented by GEDA has also led to considerable savings of electrical power, diesel and water in irrigation. The Energy Audit Subsidy Scheme was launched to help industry identify and plug energy wastage and budget their energy use to increase profitability.

The Energy Conservation Promotion Program has been an integral part of GEDA's Agenda. GEDA Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvement Program is over two decades old. A Study Report on Efficient Utilization of Electricity in Gujarat State was prepared and was followed by an ambitious program of funding 100 industrial energy audits to begin with.

Industrial Energy Efficiency (EE) Improvement Program

The Energy Audit Study Subsidy Scheme was launched in 1980s to help industries conduct a preliminary Energy Audit Study to identify energy conservation methods, improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. Till date, about 1000 industries have taken the benefit of this Scheme. Useful and crucial data was generated that helped diagnose and treat the problem areas. GEDA EC Program created general awareness and strengthened the energy service sector to a significant extent. GEDA has been maintaining a pool of 40-50 experienced energy audit consultants and experts spread across the country.

The realization of the fact that a considerable amount of the industrial profit leak out due to poor energy efficiency of the plants and machinery has served as a "eye-opener" in the State industrial sector - both for the private sector and the government. And energy audit has become a mandatory norm for industries having a CD of 500 KVA and further modified to a CD of 200 KVA and above conduct energy audits for their plants In addition, as it is also mandatory for all commercial complexes with a CD of 75 KVA and above as well. The Commissioner of Electricity, Government of Gujarat is looking after the implementation of this regulation in the state with the help of registered energy auditors. This regulation has identified a much wider professional role of energy audit consultants and experts.

Not more 3000 large and medium scale industrial units are covered under mandatory audit program. A very large number of extremely inefficient small-scale units still remain out of the preview of the mandatory audit program and continue to waste large amount of vital energy resources of the state.

Implementation of the EC Act in Gujarat

Achievements in the EC area uphold the agency’s status; it has been nominated as the Designated Agency to function as the nodal focal point to implement the Bureau of Energy Efficiency programmes in the state. GEDA will implement the Energy conservation Act 2001. The basic objectives of the Act are:

• Provide a policy framework and direction to the national energy conservation activities.
• Coordinate policies and programmes on efficient use of energy with the stakeholders.
• Establish systems and procedures to verify, measure and monitor EE improvements.
• Leverage multilateral, bilateral and private sector support to implement the EC Act.
• Demonstrate EE delivery systems through public-private partnerships.

Thrust Areas of the EC Act

1. Energy efficiency improvement in the industrial sector
2. EE manuals and codes
3. Energy efficiency improvement in buildings & establishments
4. Energy efficient building codes
5. Professional certification and accreditation
6. School education and curriculum change
7. Standards & Labeling programme
8. DSM in power sector
9. EE policy research

Outline of EC Activities

In the current financial year the agency has outlined several programmes such as :

• Chart an Action Plan
• Spread energy conservation Act awareness to the concerned target groups viz. power producers and suppliers, major consumers, consultants, etc.
• Identify designated consumers as defined in the EC Act and create a database of major industries and industrial groups, manufacturers and suppliers of energy efficient technologies.
• Establish a nodal facility viz. development of a Energy Efficiency Knowledge Management Centre that will develop a databank of resources, website, and liaise with BEE.
• Undertake curriculum development projects and organize energy education programs for technical schools, ITIs, and for engineering college teachers and students.
• Organize Awareness Generation Programs for a cross section of the energy users, viz. industrialist and executives, energy consultants & auditors, domestic users.

Pooling the Energy Efficiency Human Resource

GEDA now as BEE designate for Gujarat State will have to widen its role and scope of technical support services. GEDA will pool resourceful people who are either actively involved in EC activities or are willing get involved and deploy them in implementation of EE projects and programmes in the State. Energy consultants and experts therefore, have an important role to play in the implementation of the EC Act. The enactment of the Act has generated ample opportunities for energy consultants to contribute in National EE Drive.

GEDA has a long-standing experience in pooling energy expertise from around the country and organizing capacity building / training programs for energy professionals. To perform the new role as BEE Designated Agency, GEDA is preparing to enhance its involvement in the energy service sector of the state. GEDA will act as a focal point to organize the available expertise and effectively deploy it in execution of different EE projects and programs in the State.

Registration of Energy Auditors and Consultants

GEDA will empanel qualified or BEE certified energy auditors, managers and consultants during the current. The eligibility criteria for registration are given in Encl.1 (a). The registered “Energy Audit Consultants” (EAC) - as they will be termed, will be involved in formulation and implementation of Energy Efficiency projects in the State.

Consultants registered under this category will be involved in agency’s EE activities related to the implementation of the Act. Inputs will be taken from BEE accredited auditors or managers to plan for various consumer sectors – industries, commercial, domestic and agricultural. Their help will also be required in preparation, project formulation, training and capacity building, monitoring of various projects as and when required.

Activities for Registered Energy Audit Consultants

The annual Action Plan will focus on the following activities:

1. Information Sharing and Exchange
   
   GEDA shall organize four Co-ordination and Interactive Meets annually to discuss and deliberate the action plan of the EC Act implementation. This will include

a. Introductory Consultant Meet (August 2005).

b. EC Action Plan Workshop I

c. EC Action Plan Workshop II

d. Project Monitoring and Review Meet

2. Information Products /Services
   
   GEDA shall compile and produce directory of Energy Auditors/ Consultants with complete details of services and specialty and contact information.
    
3. Capacity Building and Training

Annual Registration Fees- Rs.2500/-

The fees will be non-refundable and would be utilized for organizing meetings, workshops and printing Consultants' Directory.

The registration fee is payable on approval of the application submitted. Certificate of Registration as GEDA approved Energy Auditor/Consultant will be issued by GEDA on approval. Registered Energy Auditors/Consultants will be governed by the terms and conditions given in the Encl.1 (b).

Enclosure 1(a)

a. Eligibility Criteria for Registration

1. An individual applying should have cleared Energy Auditor's examination conducted by the BEE and have at least 2 years of experience in the field of industrial EC. In case of firm registration at least one member of the technical team should have 2 years of experience in the field of industrial EC.

Applicant with additional qualifications in the field of Energy Management/Auditing would be given preference.

2. The applicant must have relevant experience in Energy Management and should have experience in conducting actual energy audit in the industry. Necessary documents / certificates / proofs and Energy Audit Report prepared by the applicant should be produced.

3. The consultant / consultant firm must possess the basic instruments for required for conducting energy audit.

- Power Analyzer Kit (kVA, kW, kWh, V, A, pf, etc)
- Tachometer
- Lux Meter
- Flue Gas Analyzer (for Thermal Energy Audit only)

4. The consultant / consultant firm must have the following infrastructure facilities:

- Office Premises (permanent office address) with phone / fax
- PC System
- E-mail ID

5. The consultant / consultant firm should have conducted atleast five industrial energy audits/studies.

Personal interview of applicants, wherever found necessary, will be taken prior to granting registration.