Gujarat Launches Statewide Energy Saving Drive Across Government Offices

GANDHINAGAR : In a major push towards sustainable governance and energy efficiency, the Gujarat government has rolled out a comprehensive energy conservation campaign across all government and semi-government offices, introducing strict measures to reduce electricity consumption while promoting green energy practices. The initiative, launched under the slogan “Energy Saved is Energy Produced,” aims to curb wastage, lower power bills and strengthen the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The campaign, spearheaded jointly by the Energy and Petrochemicals Department and the Roads and Buildings Department, comes amid rising electricity demand driven by increasing temperatures and climate change. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Energy and Petrochemicals Minister Rushikesh Patel, the government has issued detailed guidelines to improve energy efficiency across public institutions.

“Energy conservation is as important as energy generation. Every unit of electricity saved contributes to sustainable development and reduces the burden on the power infrastructure,” the government said in its circular.

Among the key directives, all air conditioners in government offices will now operate at a default temperature of 24 degrees Celsius, in line with Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) guidelines. Employees have also been instructed to switch off lights, fans, air conditioners and computers after office hours, on weekends and during public holidays.

To further reduce unnecessary power consumption, occupancy sensors and timer-based automation systems will be installed in corridors, meeting rooms, washrooms and parking areas. Conventional lighting in government buildings will gradually be replaced with energy-efficient LED fixtures, while only five-star energy-rated electrical appliances will be purchased in the future.

The government is also promoting renewable energy by encouraging rooftop solar installations on public buildings. The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has been tasked with inspecting existing solar systems and restoring non-functional units to full capacity.

Municipal corporations and municipalities will adopt Centralised Control Monitoring Systems (CCMS) to synchronise streetlights with sunrise and sunset timings. Additionally, on a pilot basis, alternate streetlights in low-traffic areas will remain switched off between midnight and 4 am to conserve energy.

To ensure accountability, every department must appoint a nodal officer, prepare an Energy Efficiency Action Plan within 45 days and submit quarterly energy consumption reports. Annual third-party energy audits will also become mandatory.

Government offices that achieve exceptional reductions in electricity consumption will be recognised and honoured by the state, encouraging departments to make energy conservation an integral part of daily administration.