ERDA, The Energy Services Company (ESCO)

Introduction:  

Electrical Research and Development Association (ERDA) has established Energy Management Section (EMS) in the year 1995 to help the Industries, Utilities and the consumers of energy to cut down their energy cost and become competitive in the market. This will help the Nation in conserving the conventional fuels such as coal, oil, gas, etc. and also reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. 

Recognitions:  

ERDA is approved as an Energy Auditor by a number of agencies including Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), New Delhi (under Energy Conservation Act-2001), Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), New Delhi, Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA), Gujarat, Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA), Maharashtra, Energy Management Centre (EMC), Kerala, Chhattishgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), Chhattishgarh & Commissioner of Electricity, Govt. of Gujarat. 

Achievements:  

ERDA has conducted more than 170 comprehensive energy audits covering all the Industrial Sectors, Power Generating Utilities and Distribution Companies. The energy conservation potential projected in some of the Industries and Utilities is given below: 

* Percentage of Auxiliary power consumption.

The savings potential up to 64% was identified for Electrical Energy and 43% was identified for Thermal Energy. Also 11% to 100% of the savings identified were without any investment and only by modifications and also without affecting the manufacturing process. The outcome of the energy audit work is equivalent to power saving of 33 MW and equivalent monetary saving of Rs. 110 Crores. 

Awards Received:  

In recognition of the work done in the area of Energy Conservation, PCRA, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has awarded ERDA “Best Improvement in Performance Award” for three consecutive years & “Best Energy Auditor Award” for two consecutive years. Moreover MEDA, Maharashtra has also appreciated the praiseworthy work done by ERDA in the area of energy conservation and presented Certificate of Appreciation for the Years 2004 & 2005. 

ERDA The ESCO:

 Govt. of India is planning to add 20,000 MW equivalent power generation capacity through energy conservation, by the year 2012. Hence, major emphasis is being given to energy audit and energy conservation measures. However, more promising results can be obtained through “Energy Services Company (ESCO)”, concept, which is a paradigm shift in the energy conservation industry. In this connection one of the thrust areas of Energy Conservation Act-2001 is “Delivery Mechanisms for Energy Efficiency Services”. In this framework energy audit studies were completed in nine Govt. buildings by various organizations and the conservation measures have been implemented by ESCOs through performance contracting.  

An ESCO not only establishes the energy conservation potential in a facility but also ensures that the same is realized after implementation of the suggested measures. The present concern on Global Warming has also added “Demand Side Management” and “Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)” in the activity portfolio of ESCOs.  

To tap the vast energy conservation potential and help the Nation to achieve its Mission 2012, ERDA has recently started working as an ESCO. With the vast experience of more than a decade in the area of energy conservation and expertise in almost all the sectors, ERDA is geared up to serve the industries and utilities in a much better and efficient manner. 

This note is specially prepared for information to all our member industries to use our services as ESCO for better energy utilization.