What is Energy Conservation Act and BEE?

What it is

The Energy Conservation Act gives the central government and BEE powers to set energy consumption norms, specify designated consumers, require energy audits and frame building energy codes. The Act was amended in 2022, including provisions for a carbon credit trading scheme.

Perform, Achieve and Trade, or PAT, sets specific energy consumption targets for designated consumers in energy intensive sectors. Units that beat their target earn Energy Saving Certificates, called ESCerts, which can be traded with units that fall short. The Energy Conservation Building Code sets minimum requirements for commercial buildings, adopted through state rules.

Who it applies to / where it is used

PAT applies to designated consumers in notified sectors such as thermal power, cement, steel, aluminium, fertilizer, textiles, railways and refineries. ECBC applies to commercial buildings above the connected load threshold where a state has notified it. Check the current BEE notification and state rule for your sites.

How it is measured / what evidence it needs

PAT outcomes are verified by accredited energy auditors against the baseline year and the normalization rules for the cycle.

• Baseline specific energy consumption for the cycle
• Production and normalization factors as the PAT rules define them
• Mandatory energy audit reports where required
• Measured results of energy efficiency projects
• ECBC compliance documentation for new buildings

How Aqueduct helps

Aqueduct supplies baselines and verified savings for PAT cycles, and the measured operating data behind ECBC controls on new builds.

• Metered energy by plant, line and utility system, normalized to production
• Baselines and verified savings through aQ EnergySmart for the energy auditor
• Water and steam balances through aQ WaterGuard where processes share utilities
• Records exported through aQ Assurance for audit and reporting