The current millennium is witnessing a rapid depletion of primary resources of energy which are largely based on fossil fuels. The management and use of conventional sources of energy has become as important as the quest for alternate sources. Conservation of energy is the cheapest method of augmenting the scarce energy resources of the country. Energy conservation and efficiency, envisages the various ways of sensitizing all citizens of its need, in addition to specific programmes in targeted areas.

Energy  Conservation  has  received  attention  in India  since  the  mid  70's.  The  impact  of  Energy Conservation  efforts are felt at a very  low pace  as the commercial energy consumption per capita is low in the country and efficient end use devices are costly. The growing energy demand, mainly in the industrial and the service sectors has created a renewed awareness about the need  for conserving energy.

There is a huge potentioal of conserving energy. Conservative estimates indicate an energy saving potential at the consumption end equivalent to 25000 MW of fresh capacity, or about Rs. 1,00,000 crores of fresh investment.

The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 provides the necessary legal and institutional arrangement for a focused Energy Conservation campaign throughout the country. The Act identifies stakeholders as target groups for promoting energy efficiency, such as Energy generating companies, T&D companies, Manufacturers, Consumers and R&D Laboratory/ Establishment.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has been set up as a nodal agency to implement the policies of the Government on Energy Efficiency. It has accordingly drawn up an action plan through various programmes keeping the target groups in mind. These are, Indian Industry Programmes for Energy Conservation, Standard & Labeling programme, Demand Side Management, Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Establishments, Energy Conservation Building Code, Professional Certification and Accreditation, Manuals and  codes and Energy Conservation Awareness Campaign.

The Ministry of Power has been observing 14th December as the Energy Conservation Day since 1990 to promote the cause of Energy Efficiency and the need to conserve the finite resources of energy in the country.

To promote public awareness and to encourage the achievers, National Energy Conservation Awards are presented every year as recognition of the need for Energy Conservation as much as to acknowledge the implementation of programmes to demonstrate the commitment. These awards given on Energy Conservation Day are amongst the various measures taken by the Government to enthuse the public to promote Energy Efficiency throughout the country.

The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Energy Conservation.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India