Andhra Pradesh leads states in energy efficiency and conservation, says Chief Secretary

Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K Vijayanand on Saturday said the state has emerged as a role model for other states in the areas of energy efficiency and energy conservation, driven by forward-looking policies and effective implementation of programmes.

Vijayanand made the remarks during the valedictory function of the National Energy Conservation Week 2025 celebrations organised by the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM) in Vijayawada.

“Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a role model to other states of the nation in the areas of energy efficiency and energy conservation, driven by its forward-looking policies, effective implementation of energy efficiency programmes, and sustained commitment across industries, buildings, institutions, and urban local bodies,” he said.

The chief secretary was presenting State Energy Conservation Awards to public and private organisations that demonstrated excellence in energy efficiency across the buildings, industries and institutions sectors. He said a structured approach towards energy conservation had begun in the state in 2015.

According to Vijayanand, street lighting in Visakhapatnam was converted to LED illumination after the Hud Hud cyclone, resulting in energy savings of up to 45 percent.

With the support of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), more than two crore households were covered under LED lighting, leading to nearly 30 percent energy savings, he said.

He added that the adoption of energy-efficient agricultural motors and industrial interventions under the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme resulted in the completion of three PAT cycles and energy savings of around 1.35 million tonnes of oil equivalent.

Vijayanand said the state has also introduced strong policy measures alongside technology adoption, including mandatory energy-efficient and green building norms, which have led to approvals for 2,000 to 3,000 green buildings.

He further said that the Integrated Clean Energy Policy, aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions with a target of 160 GW of green energy capacity, has already approved projects worth 100 GW.

Stressing that awareness is critical, the chief secretary said 1,550 Energy Literacy Clubs have been established in schools. He said energy conservation is a shared social responsibility and is essential for cost reduction and environmental protection.

Later, Vijayanand held a review meeting and directed officials of the Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Ltd (APCPDCL) to ensure time-bound completion of all ongoing power sector schemes.

He asked officials to lay special focus on rooftop solar projects, feeder-level solarisation, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) loss-reduction works, smart metering, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, among other initiatives.