VISAKHAPATNAM: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed state officials to guarantee that all beneficiaries of PMAY receive BEE star-rated, energy-efficient appliances, thus promoting universal access to affordable and clean energy. In cooperation with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), the Andhra Pradesh housing department is set to distribute four LED bulbs, six LED tube lights, and two BLDC fans to approximately six lakh households by 2026, supported by additional state funding.
The initiative aims to engage households in climate action and is projected to save 10.24 million kWh and significant financial resources annually, marking it as India’s largest energy efficiency program in the housing sector. Widespread adoption of energy-efficient appliances is expected to meaningfully cut greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to national and global climate goals, as well as enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Special Chief Secretary for Housing and Tourism, Ajay Jain, showcased these innovative programs and cost-effective strategies of the AP housing department at the South-West regional conference in Hyderabad on Tuesday. The conference commended the Andhra Pradesh government for advancing energy efficiency initiatives throughout the state. Delegates and national experts in energy efficiency recognized the recent MoUs inked with EESL in crucial areas such as housing, urban local bodies, MSMEs, and tourism at the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam.
EESL officials stated that the Union government has initiated various flagship programs to tackle the rapid urbanization challenges and ensure inclusive urban development. In this light, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, convened a meeting in Hyderabad to enhance cooperation between the central and state governments for impactful and timely outcomes, aiming for a developed Bharat in the south-western regions.
Representing Andhra Pradesh were MA&UD Minister P Narayana, Special Chief Secretary (Housing & Tourism) Ajay Jain, Principal Secretary (MAUD) S. Suresh Kumar, and CDMA P Sampath Kumar. During the meeting, the Union Minister commended Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the MA&UD minister for their concerted efforts in providing exceptional services to urban residents and for implementing the largest LED streetlight program in Andhra Pradesh.
According to Principal Secretary S Suresh Kumar, the AP government, alongside EESL, is set to execute one of India’s largest expansions of LED public lighting as part of a major state-wide infrastructure upgrade. “This project includes the installation and upgrading of 10 lakh LED streetlights in urban areas, aiming to position Andhra Pradesh as one of the best-illuminated states in the country, thereby enhancing public safety, energy efficiency, and daily convenience,” stated Suresh Kumar.
Girish, the top executive at TERI, New Delhi, praised the AP government for signing an unprecedented number of MoUs in a single day for energy efficiency measures. These agreements, with an estimated investment of Rs 5,000 crore from central government agencies like EESL, are designed to vigorously promote energy efficiency and are expected to motivate other states to follow suit.
