Delhi govt directs departments to prevent electricity misuse, adopt energy-efficient ways

The Delhi government has directed all the departments to prevent “misuse” of electricity and ensure its rational usage by cutting down unnecessary lighting, using natural light and maintaining air conditioning in energy-efficient manner, officials said on Thursday.

The government has already adopted various measures to cut down on use of fuel and other resources, including use of Metro trains and public transport by the chief minister, cabinet ministers, officers, work from home and less use of official vehicles in the wake of the impact of global uncertainties on the country’s economy.

A recent order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) of the government directed the departments to take measures for “prevention of misuse and rationalisation of electricity consumption” in the offices.

In pursuance of the appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding saving fuels and energy, it has been decided to undertake measures for prevention of misuse and rationalisation of electricity consumption, it said.

All heads of departments of various departments and autonomous bodies, and local bodies under the government jurisdiction will ensure judicious and need-based use of electricity at the offices and establishments under their administrative control, the order said.

“Unnecessary use of lighting fixtures during daytime will be avoided and natural lighting may be optimally utilised wherever feasible,” said the order.

Over-lighting of rooms, corridors, common areas and office premises will be avoided, and only essential lighting as per functional requirement will be ensured. Installation of master switches to ensure switching off lights and electrical equipment when not in use will be practised to prevent avoidable electricity consumption, it said.

Further, the order said that air-conditioners will be operated in an energy-efficient manner, maintaining the temperature around 24-26 degrees Celsius. Unnecessary cooling of office spaces should be avoided and coolers, air conditioners, computers, printers, photocopiers and other appliances should be switched off after office hours, it directed.