Pakistan, like many countries, faces the daunting challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. With a population of over 220 million people and rapidly increasing energy demands, the need for an effective energy conservation policy has never been more critical. Pakistan’s energy conservation efforts hold the key to achieving sustainable development, mitigating climate change and ensuring a secure energy future.
The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation (NEEC) Policy 2023 and the National Action Plan (NAP) 2023 recently approved by the Federal Cabinet stand out remarkably as the policy highlights behavioural and structural changes with regard to energy conservation and, doing so, guarantees saving up to $6.4 billion to the cash-strapped country. Every sector of Pakistan is facing a growing energy crisis that weighs heavily on nerves of the nation.
Pakistan’s energy conservation policy should prioritize raising awareness among the public about the importance of energy efficiency and the consequences of wasteful consumption. By educating individuals, households and businesses about the benefits of conserving energy, such as reduced utility bills, a cleaner environment, and enhanced energy security, the government can foster a culture of energy consciousness.
According a report published on these pages, the policy initially deals with four key areas namely, power sector (energy and gas), building codes, transport and agriculture. It highlights that the government can save up to Rs $6.4 billion by adopting behavioural changes and structural reforms with regard to energy conservation, which is going to reduce burden the public exchequer and also support climate mitigation and adaptation.
According to Managing Director (MD) of the NEECA Dr Sardar Mohazzam, above all, it is consumer-friendly and can relieve burden of exorbitant utility bills on the masses.
NEEC Policy 2023 has some salient regulatory features, including ensuring compliance with minimum energy performance standards and labeling regimes for electric (fans, air conditioners, refrigerators, motors, LEDs) and gas appliances (geysers, space heaters, cook stoves), equipment, and products.
It also mandates energy conservation building codes, mandatory energy audits for facilities and business operations of designated consumers, accreditation of testing laboratories, and the development of industrial assessment centers in collaboration with universities in the industrial hubs of the country.
Other features of the policy include the mandatory procurement of energy-efficient equipment in all public procurements by incorporating Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) in PPRA rules, evaluation of energy-efficient appliances during basic load profiling for electricity or gas connection across commercial, household, industrial, agriculture sectors, ban on the manufacturing of inefficient lighting like incandescent bulbs, all kinds of high-intensity discharge and fluorescent lamps, and setting the energy standards and recommending preferential use of energy.
To ensure the successful implementation of the energy conservation policy, strong governance, regulatory frameworks, and effective monitoring mechanisms are essential. The government should establish clear targets, enforce compliance, and hold accountable those who fail to adhere to energy conservation measures. Regular evaluation and reporting should be carried out to assess the policy’s effectiveness and identify areas that require improvement.
By prioritizing energy efficiency, raising awareness, incentivizing responsible consumption, and promoting renewable energy, Pakistan can significantly reduce its carbon footprint, enhance energy security, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. The government must demonstrate strong commitment, enact supportive policies and engage all stakeholders to ensure the success of this imperative endeavor.
