Andhra govt rolls out twin reforms on energy conservation, e-mobility

The Andhra Pradesh government has rolled out a two-pronged reform push focusing on energy conservation across all the Urban Local Bodies, aimed at making cities cleaner, smarter and energy efficient.

As part of these efforts, the southern state is readying a PPP-based Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and shared e – mobility proposals, encompassing e–bikes and e–scooters in major cities, said an official press release on Tuesday.

''In a significant move to make Andhra Pradesh's cities cleaner, smarter and more energy-efficient, the Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department has rolled out a two-pronged urban reform push covering energy conservation across all Urban Local Bodies,'' it said.

These initiatives are being taken up as part of the Andhra Pradesh State Action Plan on Resource Conservation and Self-Reliance, approved by the Council of Ministers on May 14.

It seeks to reduce avoidable consumption of electricity and fuel, promote self-reliance, fast-track electric mobility and ensure measurable outcomes across departments.

Under the first Order, the MA&UD Department has directed all heads of departments, municipal commissioners and urban development authorities to immediately conduct a statewide energy conservation drive covering street lighting, municipal buildings, water supply and sewerage pumping stations, vehicle fleets, public events, rooftop solar and non-motorised transport.

It noted that ULBs are among the largest consumers of publicly funded energy with streetlights, pumping stations, municipal buildings and vehicles accounting for a major share of recurring expenditure.

A key reform under the order is the proposed statewide energy audit of all ULBs.

The Commissioner & Director of Municipal Administration has been directed to commission a structured audit covering street lighting, municipal buildings, water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, pumping stations and municipal vehicles, said the release.

The audit will establish energy baselines, identify inefficiencies, quantify avoidable waste and recommend cost-effective corrective measures.

The audit will be taken up in phases, with Municipal Corporations and Selection Grade Municipalities to be covered first, followed by other Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats, it added.

The order places strong emphasis on street lighting optimisation, including elimination of day-burning streetlights, rationalisation of feeder pillars, conversion of remaining non-LED fittings, dimming of lights during low-traffic night hours and restriction of decorative lighting, among other measures.

Further, MA&UD directed all ULBs to enforce energy-saving measures in municipal offices and public buildings, including switching off non-essential lighting after office hours, running air-conditioning at a minimum of 24 degrees celsius, restricting ornamental lighting in parks and public spaces, and nominating energy nodal officers for monthly monitoring of consumption and savings.

Moreover, it directed the ULBs to tighten fuel usage in municipal vehicle fleets, maintain daily fuel and trip logs, eliminate non-essential vehicle movement and optimise solid waste management routes, among others.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)