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Since 2006, energy benchmarks have been making it easier for consumer appliance companies to cite actual efficiency and the cost benefits that a consumer derives by buying their product. Here is an overview of what these labels are and how to get one

Energy efficiency labels are informative labels affixed to products, describing their energy performance, usually in the form of energy use or efficiency on a comparative scale across brands.

Energy labels provide consumers with information to make informed purchases. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the agency that ensures compliance to the standards and labeling scheme laid down under the Energy Conservation Act 2001.

Energy efficiency labeling has been in use in several other countries for quite some time now. In many of these countries, it is mandatory for manufacturers to get them. In India, however, getting the label is voluntary as of now.

How to get a label
The label itself is a standard set by BEE, and manufacturers have to test their equipment and self-declare their rating level. Ask whether there is a standard norm as to how the efficiency is achieved, BEE mentions, “There is no restriction as to what technology is used to achieve the set energy efficiency rating, which is totally the manufacturer’s call.” After this, he can apply for a label at BEE, the details of which are then scrutinized by the agency. If there are no queries by BEE within a month, the manufacturer can affix the label, in the prescribed format, under intimation to the Bureau if an agreement for participation in the scheme has been entered.

DARE/energy-efficiency labels

Already covered under the scheme:

Domestic refrigerators Air conditioners Fluorescent tube lamps Distribution transformers

Still to be covered:

Fluorescent lamp ballasts Electric motors Boilers Furnaces Storage water heaters Heat pumps Submersible pumps Ceiling fans Television sets… and more

Source: www.bee-india.nic.in

Getting BEE labels is not expensive at all. Manufacturers of equipment, importers, and persons-in-trade can enroll themselves in the scheme by entering into a three-year agreement with BEE for a meager amount of Rs 100. For getting the label though, a separate application is required for the equipment and each of its models, for a fee of Rs 1000 each. Also, an additional labeling fee per unit manufactured is payable in advance (e.g. Rs 10 per refrigerator, Rs 0.05 per tubular florescent light)

The forms for application, agreement, and application for labels are available at the Website of BEE. These documents include all information and schedules (energy labeling requirements) for all the equipment.

Label verification
BEE verifies the label contents, and the manner of display of label for each equipment/model on a regular basis. It determines the frequency of the verification test depending on the nature of equipment and time required for testing. The test itself is conducted in an independent, National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited
laboratory registered with the Bureau. BEE or its representatives will identify and seal the equipment samples as per the sampling procedure specified in the Schedule of the scheme (for all equipment).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits?
Haier very recently introduced a new range of ‘four Star Rated’ refrigerators. Ask RT Rajan, Director (Sales and Marketing), Haier Appliances India, why should any manufacturer affix an energy efficiency label in the first place, and he mentions, “Energy efficiency levels are emerging as the third most critical factor influencing purchase decisions after price and brand,” he adds, “Every appliance comes with two price tags, one that only mentions what it costs to buy it and the other that includes what it costs to operate and maintain it. Ratings qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies and use 10 to 50% less energy than standard appliances.”

For the future, he speaks of the actual benefit of affixing the label, “Energy efficiency labels give a consumer a clear idea on the energy efficiency for the power consumed, and therefore the cost saving that he can derive from that particular product. So this not only leads to greater acceptance among our customers for the products, but we as manufacturers also gain trust and confidence for the products, which ultimately reflects in the sales of the products.”

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