The Andhra Pradesh Government plans to revisit the norms for power tariff rebates to industries as part of the energy conservation code to be finalised by March.

To bridge the demand-supply gap, suggestions have come to consider a five-day week for Government establishments.

While initiating a series of measures to save energy, the Government proposes to encourage solar-powered pump sets for agricultural use.

The State Energy Conservation Mission plans to implement the sectoral recommendations submitted by four sub-groups.

At a meeting chaired by State Chief Secretary Minnie Mathew, it was resolved that the departments concerned should ensure the effective implementation of energy efficiency and energy conservation programmes.

The new industrial policy for 2015 in which incentives in the form of power subsidy and tax rebates are extended will be examined. The State plans to notify a green factory-building code which mandates use of natural light more efficiently.

While striving to implement setting up of 1,000-MW solar-power capacity, it was decided to encourage solar pump sets by giving higher subsidy on motors as well as solar panels to farmers.

The draft proposals for notifying the Energy Conservation Building Code were discussed and the code would be notified by March.

As part of the rural water-supply schemes, old and inefficient pump sets will be replaced.

The Chief Secretary said all the stakeholders would be taken into confidence before implementing the sectoral recommendations.

She appealed to NGOs, consumer forums, self-help groups, industry organisations such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, farmers’ welfare groups, etc., to extend support and participate in the energy-conservation movement as every 100 units saved is equal to 120 units generated.

rishikumar.vundi@thehindu.co.in

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