Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K Vijayanand has said energy efficiency and conservation will be treated as a core governance priority, as the state looks to reduce power demand, lower public expenditure and advance its sustainability goals.
Chairing a virtual meeting of the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM), Vijayanand directed officials to intensify implementation of efficiency measures across government infrastructure, industries and urban local bodies.
A key focus of the review was stronger enforcement of the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC). Referring to the Super ECBC building at Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam, the Chief Secretary said such projects should serve as models for energy-efficient construction and called for stricter ECBC compliance across Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Officials reviewed progress on Demand Side Management (DSM) programmes, the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, Standards and Labelling initiatives, and market surveillance. Vijayanand emphasised the need to strengthen energy audits for industries, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and municipalities, and to roll out efficiency interventions in government hospitals, water pumping stations and public buildings.
The Chief Secretary also welcomed initiatives on fuel switching, electrification of industrial heat, and collaboration with national and international organisations, including the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
Highlighting public awareness, he directed APSECM to expand Energy Clubs in schools and educational institutions and recommended the establishment of Energy Conservation Cells across government departments and autonomous bodies.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Ltd (APGENCO), Andhra Pradesh Transmission Corporation Ltd (APTRANSCO), Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Ltd (APEPDCL), Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Ltd (APCPDCL), New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP), and departments including transport, urban and rural development, industries and technical education.
