The key objective of the Standards and Labeling (S&L) programme is to provide the consumer an informed choice about the energy saving and thereby the cost saving potential of the relevant marketed product.
In India, the scheme on Standards and Labeling was launched on 18th May 2006 and is presently invoked for 26 equipment/appliances, i.e. Room Air Conditioner (Fixed Speed), Colour Television, Direct Cool Refrigerator, Distribution Transformer, Frost Free Refrigerator, Stationary Type Water Heater, Tubular Fluorescent Lamps, RAC (Cassette, Floor Standing Tower, Ceiling, Corner AC) Room Air Conditioner (Variable Speed), Led Lamps, Ceiling Fan, Computer, Domestic Gas Stove, General Purpose Industrial Motor, Agricultural Pump Set, Washing Machine, Ballast, Solid State Inverter, Office Equipment, Chillers, Microwave Oven, Diesel Engine Driven Mono-set pumps for Agricultural Purposes, Diesel Generator Set, Solar Water Heater, Light Commercial Air Conditioners and Deep Freezers of which the first 10 appliances have been notified under mandatory labelling while the rest of the appliances are presently under voluntary labeling phase.
The energy efficiency labeling programs under BEE are intended to reduce the energy consumption of appliance without diminishing the services it provides to consumers. Energy ‘labeling’ is one of the most cost-effective policy tools for improving energy efficiency and lowering energy cost of appliances/equipment for the consumers. The program has been developed in a collaborative and consensus driven approach with active participation from all the stakeholders. S&L in India works on a model in which the permittee provides information related to energy efficiency of the product on the label as prescribed in the respective product regulation, statutory order and/or schedule issued by the Bureau from time to time. A star rating, ranging from 1 to 5 in the ascending order of energy efficiency is provided to products registered with the Bureau. An endorsement label is also provided for some products.