* Move to make Assam energy efficient
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The first business step of AHECL (Assam Hydrocarbon and Energy Company Limited (AHECL) since its inception in 2006, was taken on Tuesday after it inked an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) – a joint venture company under the Government of India.
The M0U aims at building a closer strategic partnership by jointly exploring business opportunities in the 'Energy Efficiency' segment in the State of Assam. The online agreement was signed between Assam Additional Chief Secretary (Mines & Minerals) & Managing Director of AHECL, VS Bhaskar and EESL Managing Director Saurabh Kumar in Delhi in the presence of AHECL Chairman Punakan Baruah and Vice Chairman Shivjee Dubey.
After signing of the MoU, VS Bhaskar said, "It is important for us to implement 'Energy Efficiency' projects across the State of Assam. Energy efficiency projects also play a pivotal role in the reduction of carbon footprints as well as in combating global warming. As the world is fast changing with the times and along with new technological advancements it is prudent that we too keep pace with the same. Eventually, this MoU would enable us to fruitfully tap the energy-efficiency market in Assam."
He further said, "Initially, we'll hand over a block of the Assam Secretariat, Janata Bhawan, Dispur to EESL for replacement of the electrical devices there. All expenditures for this energy-efficient move will be borne by EESL. Following the completion of the project, EESL will demonstrate to us the efficiency in terms of the power bill. A portion of the savings will be charged by them."
Smart metering, which ensures timely and accurate power billing for consumers, will be implemented by EESL, added Bhaskar.
EESL General Manager Sudeep Dhar stated that the company has 'Energy Efficiency portfolio' across sectors like lightings, buildings, e-mobility, smart metering and agriculture which focuses on solution driven innovation with no subsidy or capital expenditure (capex).